Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Apr. 1 that $10.5 million has been allocated through the federal fiscal year 2023 and 2024 State Homeland Security Program to support the preparedness and response efforts of 80 cities, towns, villages, and counties across New York State. The funding is directed toward bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical units, and technical rescue groups to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure, mass gatherings, and local cybersecurity capabilities.
The announcement highlights ongoing efforts to ensure public safety throughout New York as communities prepare for major events in the coming months. The funds are intended to provide local governments with resources needed to respond effectively when threats or emergencies arise.
“My number one priority is public safety and ensuring that local municipalities have the support necessary to protect New Yorkers when threats emerge,” Governor Hochul said. “With these grants, we are directly investing in the teams who defend New York’s critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats and respond when emergencies strike – ensuring a secure New York ahead of this summer’s events.”
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) manages these grants under seven targeted federal programs. To date, DHSES has distributed over $108 million for such initiatives statewide. Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “To keep New Yorkers safe, it is crucial that those on the first line of defense have the resources they need to do their work efficiently. This funding goes a long way to make sure our teams in various fields are trained and equipped to handle anything they face in the line of duty. We thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing public safety.”
Senator Chuck Schumer said: “This $10.5 million federal investment to enhance homeland security programs will ensure more local governments can improve critical infrastructure to keep our communities safe… I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use.” Other leaders echoed support for the initiative: Barbara Van Epps from NYS Conference of Mayors called it “critical funding” for frontline responders; Stephen J. Acquario from NYS Association of Counties emphasized its importance against evolving threats; Christopher A. Koetzle from NY Association of Towns thanked Governor Hochul for recognizing challenges faced by local governments.
The grant allocations cover a range of specialized programs including bomb squad training (over $32 million invested since inception), hazardous materials response enhancements outside NYC (for equipment acquisition/training), risk mitigation at mass gathering sites via Critical Infrastructure Grants ($750k), cybersecurity improvements ($1.75M), canine detection team development ($750k), tactical team accreditation/support ($1.25M), as well as technical rescue/urban search & rescue upgrades ($500k). Specific award amounts were detailed by recipient locality across each category.
According to information provided by DHSES officials in this release, continued investments like these remain vital as terrorism risks evolve alongside natural disasters or other emergency scenarios.
