ALBANY – Federal Emergency Management Agency grants have been awarded to Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties to support counter terrorism and emergency preparedness efforts.
The funds, provided by FEMA through its Homeland Security Grant Program, supports regional preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise activities that are critical to community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities.
“The safety and security of all New Yorkers is our number one priority, and we will continue to ensure those on the front lines have access to the very best training and resources to protect our communities,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “With this funding we will continue to bolster efforts to keep everyone who lives, works and visits the Empire State safe and secure.”
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services awards this grant 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 25 percent of each county’s total award be directed toward law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.
Chautauqua County will receive $199,942 for its programs and initiatives, while Cattaraugus County has been awarded $159,954.
In addition, Chautauqua County will receive $55,098 in Emergency Management Enforcement grants, used to train and pay emergency management. Cattaraugus County received two such grants for $34,827 and $34,719.
As well, Chautauqua County has landed $178,680 as part of Operation Stonegarden, which provides critical funding to enhance cooperation and coordination between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies through the support of joint operations that are conducted along the northern border.
