Chautauqua County will be receiving $1.9 as part of $38 million in state funding has been awarded to 17 counties and New York City to improve emergency communications for first responders, making New Yorkers safer.

The Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program supports local governments’ efforts to build and repair radio towers that allow them to communicate with other emergency responders during disasters and emergencies. Installing and maintaining these towers ensures that lines of communication continue to be clearly accessible in situations when they are needed the most.

“Saving a life can come down to one call, and our first responders need to have the most reliable emergency communications systems to help their fellow New Yorkers during their most critical moments,” state Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Investing in emergency response to enhance first responder readiness is a matter of life and death — I remain committed to prioritizing public safety throughout our state.”

Funds to the county will allow for the expansion of the National Interoperability Channels.

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will administer the funding, which is available under the Combined 2024 & 2025 Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) Targeted Grant Program. The goal of the SICG-Targeted program is to close gaps in interoperability infrastructure, regional communications deficiencies, improve redundancy and resiliency of existing systems and support the implementation of National Interoperability Channels. All New York State counties and New York City were eligible to apply for SICG-Targeted funding. Recipients can use the awards for emergency communications projects, such as installation of new equipment, enhancing communication channels among public safety radio systems and training and exercise support to promote interregional emergency communications and first responder readiness.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “These awards play a critical role in supporting our local responders by modernizing existing emergency communications systems and promoting further interoperability between our counties and their partners. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for making public safety a priority and fostering efforts to strengthen our emergency communications systems in every way possible.”