Funding Will Help Communities Prevent, Respond to, and Recover from Emergencies
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kristen Gillibrand and members of the New York Congressional Delegation today announced more than $60 million in federal grants to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness activities in counties across New York State. The funding, provided by the Department of Homeland Security through its State Homeland Security Program and Emergency Management Performance Grant, will assist counties in strengthening emergency response efforts. New York State receives more SHSP funding from DHS than any other state in the nation.
“New Yorkers know all too well the threats posed by terrorism and the critical value of ensuring first responders have the tools and resources they need to protect our communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “From enhanced training to purchasing equipment, this funding will further bolster counterterrorism efforts and help make this a stronger, safer and more secure New York.”
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John Melville said,“These vital funds help our state’s counties prepare for and respond to a variety of disasters or emergencies that can occur at any time. As we all know, emergencies can develop quickly and these funds will help strengthen our communities to keep all New Yorkers safe and secure.”
The State Homeland Security Program
DHSES awards State Homeland Security Program funding to every county in the state, along with New York City. The State Homeland Security Program will provide more than $52 million in funding to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic disasters. Federal guidelines require that a minimum of 25 percent of these funds be directed toward law enforcement terrorism prevention activities. This is critical given the current threat environment: in 2015, there were more plots in the homeland than the previous three years combined.
| Region | SHSP Funding |
| Capital Region (Albany County, City of Albany, Schenectady County, City of Schenectady, Rensselaer County, City of Troy) | $1,683,340 |
| Central New York (Onondaga County, City of Syracuse, Monroe County, City of Rochester) | $1,530,000 |
| Western New York (Erie County, City of Buffalo, Niagara County) | $2,322,953 |
| TOTAL | $5,536,293 |
| County | SHSP Funding |
| Allegany County | $70,000 |
| Broome County | $365,000 |
| Cattaraugus County | $160,000 |
| Cayuga County | $155,000 |
| Chautauqua County | $200,000 |
| Chemung County | $170,000 |
| Chenango County | $110,000 |
| Clinton County | $150,000 |
| Columbia County | $90,000 |
| Cortland County | $60,000 |
| Delaware County | $100,000 |
| Dutchess County | $490,000 |
| Essex County | $120,000 |
| Franklin County | $70,000 |
| Fulton County | $85,000 |
| Genesee County | $115,000 |
| Greene County | $115,000 |
| Hamilton County | $50,000 |
| Herkimer County | $90,000 |
| Jefferson County | $130,000 |
| Lewis County | $55,000 |
| Livingston County | $150,000 |
| Madison County | $125,000 |
| Montgomery County | $120,000 |
| Nassau County | $1,950,000 |
| New York City | $34,392,307 |
| Oneida County | $265,000 |
| Ontario County | $200,000 |
| Orange County | $900,600 |
| Orleans County | $105,000 |
| Oswego County | $195,000 |
| Otsego County | $110,000 |
| Putnam County | $275,000 |
| Rockland County | $745,000 |
| Saratoga County | $290,000 |
| Schoharie County | $95,000 |
| Schuyler County | $55,000 |
| Seneca County | $60,000 |
| St. Lawrence County | $185,000 |
| Steuben County | $130,000 |
| Suffolk County | $1,200,000 |
| Sullivan County | $210,000 |
| Tioga County | $70,000 |
| Tompkins County | $115,000 |
| Ulster County | $270,000 |
| Warren County | $80,000 |
| Washington County | $80,000 |
| Wayne County | $170,000 |
| Westchester County | $1,420,000 |
| Wyoming County | $70,000 |
| Yates County | $40,000 |
| TOTAL | $47,022,907 |
Emergency Management Performance Grant
The purpose of the EMPG Program is to provide federal funds to states to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards. These critical funds support salaries for Emergency Management professionals at the state and local level; support training and exercises to develop and test the ability of state and local governments to respond to disasters and other emergencies, and provide essential technology to manage emergency response. DHSES will provide local EMPG funding to all counties and New York City via a population based formula. There is a 50 percent match associated with the EMGP.
| County |
EMPG funding |
| Albany |
$118,951 |
| Allegany |
$23,335 |
| Broome |
$80,142 |
| Cattaraugus |
$35,086 |
| Cayuga |
$34,977 |
| Chautauqua |
$55,534 |
| Chemung |
$38,275 |
| Chenango |
$23,908 |
| Clinton |
$35,764 |
| Columbia |
$28,635 |
| Cortland |
$23,481 |
| Delaware |
$22,973 |
| Dutchess |
$116,435 |
| Erie |
$349,261 |
| Essex |
$19,748 |
| Franklin |
$24,328 |
| Fulton |
$25,801 |
| Genesee |
$27,505 |
| Greene |
$23,438 |
| Hamilton |
$6,812 |
| Herkimer |
$29,168 |
| Jefferson |
$48,538 |
| Lewis |
$15,146 |
| Livingston |
$29,495 |
| Madison |
$32,510 |
| Monroe |
$283,822 |
| Montgomery |
$23,811 |
| Nassau |
$506,772 |
| Niagara |
$86,087 |
| Oneida |
$92,982 |
| Onondaga |
$179,942 |
| Ontario |
$45,430 |
| Orange |
$144,651 |
| Orleans |
$21,063 |
| Oswego |
$50,741 |
| Otsego |
$28,321 |
| Putnam |
$42,350 |
| Rensselaer |
$64,720 |
| Rockland |
$121,754 |
| St. Lawrence |
$46,933 |
| Saratoga |
$87,262 |
| Schenectady |
$62,959 |
| Schoharie |
$17,267 |
| Schuyler |
$11,871 |
| Seneca |
$18,205 |
| Steuben |
$42,080 |
| Suffolk |
$564,390 |
| Sullivan |
$34,048 |
| Tioga |
$24,151 |
| Tompkins |
$43,045 |
| Ulster |
$73,360 |
| Warren |
$29,613 |
| Washington |
$28,680 |
| Wayne |
$40,126 |
| Westchester |
$360,526 |
| Wyoming |
$20,791 |
| Yates |
$14,495 |
| New York City |
$3,067,303 |
| TOTAL |
$7,548,797 |
Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “Keeping our citizens safe in an age of metastasizing terror threats is job #1, which is we fight so hard to preserve these federal funds. I will continue to work with partners like Governor Cuomo to secure these federal resources each year so we can effectively support the vital security programs in communities all across New York State.”
Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said, “As we continue to fight terrorism abroad and at home, we need to make sure local law enforcement has every available resource to keep our communities safe. This critical federal funding will help local law enforcement protect our communities and prevent against terrorism throughout the state. I’ll continue fighting for these federal resources to help New York law enforcement be prepared.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel said, “I am proud of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to ensure New York is fully protected from the increasing risk of terrorism. At a moment when America faces significant threats to our national security, we cannot afford to let our guard down against disasters and emergencies. I thank the Department of Homeland Security for equipping our communities with adequate resources to respond effectively and secure safety measures for New Yorkers.”
Congressman Eliot Engel said, “New York is a beacon of freedom and hope around the world, which also makes it a huge target for terrorists. We live in dangerous times, and the safety and security of the general public cannot be taken for granted. The Federal government has allocated millions of dollars across the country and it is reassuring to know that here in New York, Governor Cuomo is using these funds to bolster our counterterrorism efforts. Only by remaining vigilant can our emergency responders continue to fight the threats we face from terrorists.”
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, “The terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino underscored the need to ensure states and localities are prepared and vigilant. We must do all we can to prevent the next tragedy on our soil, especially in a highly targeted area like our metro region. I’m pleased that more than $2.6 million in federal Department of Homeland Security investments will go to Westchester and Rockland to support counter terrorism and emergency preparedness activities. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to ensure Lower Hudson Valley communities remain safe and secure.”
Congressman José E. Serrano said, “This federal funding will help keep our communities safe and prepared to deal with a natural or national security emergency. Specifically, the $60 million in funds will help prevent terrorism activities; pay the salary of first responders, as well as support their training and professional development; and purchase new technology. I’m glad to see that the largest share of this funding is going to New York City.”
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said, “I continue to fight for full funding of counter terrorism and emergency preparedness programs so that New York is ready to deal with any and all threats it faces. Our Governor takes the risks very seriously, and I applaud his work to protect our state.”
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “Preparing our City for future terrorist attacks and other catastrophes requires a strong partnership between local and federal government. I’m proud to see these federal resources dedicated to helping keep our communities safe.”
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, “I fully support Governor Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to assist counter terrorism and emergency preparedness in New York State. Today’s announcement of $60 million of which approximately $4 million in funding for Nassau and Suffolk counties, will help train and equip our brave first-responders who prevent, protect and help us recover from acts terrorism and other emergencies. I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor to ensure that public safety and security remain our top priority.”
Congressman Joe Crowley said, “In the face of growing threats to its security, New York depends on these federal funds for its ongoing counterterrorism operations and preparedness efforts. To thwart acts of terror it is essential that we stay ahead, and this funding will help us do just that. I thank Governor Cuomo for placing the highest priority on protecting New Yorkers and for helping ensure these grants are available to the men and women who will be there to effectively respond in emergency situations.”
Congressman Steve Israel said, “As New Yorkers, we know the importance of being prepared to respond to unexpected emergencies. I will continue to fight for funding like this to keep New York families safe. This funding will specifically strengthen our security infrastructure and ensure that our first responders have the training and resources they need.”
Congressman Brian Higgins, member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said, “Western New York’s position as a border community and other unique local circumstances warrant adequate resources to ensure our first responders are best equipped to respond to emergency situations. This federal funding supports the work of our emergency personnel and better protects our community as a whole.”
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said, “Today New Yorkers all across the state will remain reassured that needed funding for emergency preparedness and anti-terrorism will be in place. Thanks to the recent allocation from the Emergency Management Performance Grant, the State Homeland Security Program and the Department of Homeland Security, New York City is slated to receive over 34 million dollars to assist with preparation against possible natural disasters and emergencies. As a former member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I will continue to fight for emergency preparedness and anti-terrorism funds and I look forward to continuing to work with the Cuomo administration to keep all New Yorkers safe.”
Congressman Paul Tonko said, “From the northern border to our ports in New York City, the Empire State has some of the most unique security challenges in the nation, and I am glad to see support for the Capital Region to combat terrorism and mitigate disasters, both natural and man-made. I thank Governor Cuomo for his recognition of and action upon our local needs, and I look forward to working with state leaders to help New Yorkers live safer, happier lives.”
Congressman Richard Hanna said, “I am pleased to see this federal funding being used to protect against acts of terrorism right here in New York. We know that we must be more vigilant than ever. While it is an unfortunate reality, it is something for which we must be prepared.”
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, “New York is home to the best law enforcement and first responders in the country, but New Yorkers remember all too well the devastating effects of terrorists attacks and natural disasters. Working together with Governor Cuomo, federal, state and local officials we can ensure our communities have the training and resources to prevent terrorist plots, prepare for emergency situations, and keep our families safe.”
Congresswoman Kathleen Rice said, “This federal funding will go a long way toward ensuring that our local law enforcement agencies and first responders have the resources they need to meet our unique security risks on Long Island and do their jobs safely and effectively. I’m glad that Nassau County and the State of New York have secured these critical funds and I’ll keep working to make sure that our district gets the resources and support we need to prepare for emergencies and keep residents safe.”
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, “As a border community, this important funding is critical to ensuring the safety and security of North Country families. Our communities must be prepared and trained for any catastrophic event and I applaud Governor Cuomo for making this a priority.”
Congressman Lee Zeldin, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, “With the rise of terrorism, both foreign and domestic, funding to improve counter-terrorism and emergency preparedness in New York is critical. Our state will always be a top terror target, which is why we must have a functioning intelligence network with the flexibility and resources to identify any future specific threats as early as possible. We must remain ever vigilant, even within our homeland.”
Congressman Donovan, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, said, “New York City remains the world’s top terror target. Homeland security resources are critical to keeping our communities safe. I will hold a hearing in Washington on March 15th to explore the negative impacts of proposed cuts in the President’s budget for next year — Congress will not let them stand.”
About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and its four offices — Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, and Interoperable and Emergency Communications — provide leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
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