77 New York communities awarded homeland security grants totaling $9M

Seventy-seven communities across the state of New York have received a combined $9 million in federal funding awards through the State Homeland Security Program.

Specifically, the funding is allocated to New York's bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, technical rescue, and urban search and rescue teams. These grants will also be used to protect and secure critical infrastructure, mass gathering events and enhance local governments' cyber security capabilities.

Recipients across public safety and homeland security initiatives will use the funding to improve operations and technology. Grants were disbursed through seven statewide public safety grant programs to first responders and security professionals:

Bomb squads: $2 million
HazMat teams: $2 million
Critical infrastructure: $500,000
Cybersecurity initiatives: $2 million
Explosives detection K-9 teams: $661,788
Tactical teams: $1,088,212
Technical rescue & urban search and rescue: $750,00

"New York's first responders face a diverse array of challenges every day and it's critical we ensure they have the resources necessary for addressing them," said New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. "This funding plays an important role in that effort by helping connect local law enforcement and emergency personnel from across the state with the equipment and training they need to keep our communities safe, no matter the threat."