$150,000 to Clarkstown in Homeland Security Grants

Clarkstown is one of several New York state municipalities to recieve federal grants to support homeland security efforts that include the strengthening anti-terrorism programs, the enhancement of emergency preparedness and the expansion of critical infrastructure protections.

In all, $4.5 million in federal grants has been awarded. Clarkstown received $150,000.

“We know all too well the threat posed by terrorism and recent events have only further demonstrated the need for our first responders to have the resources to respond swiftly and effectively to emergency situations,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a prepared statement. “This administration remains committed to ensuring these brave men and women are fully prepared to keep New Yorkers safe in every corner of the state.”

Funding for these programs was made available by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the State Homeland Security Program. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders.

“As we continue to fight terrorism abroad and at home, local law enforcement should have every resource available to keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “This critical funding will help our local law enforcement protect and prevent against terrorism throughout the state and I’ll continue fighting for these federal resources to help New York law enforcement be prepared.”

Clarkstown was awarded $100,000 under the Tactical Team Grant Program.

The Tactical Team Grant Program enhances the ability of localities with tactical teams to respond to active shooter events and other counter terrorism missions. To ensure consistency statewide, strong emphasis is placed on the local teams’ attainment and sustainment of the New York State standards for Tactical/SWAT Teams. Eligible applicants could apply for up to $100,000 per team to fund certain equipment, training, exercise, and planning costs that are consistent with the attainment and/or sustainment of these New York State standards.

It was also awarded $50,000 under the Critical Infrastructure Grant Program.

Critical Infrastructure is focused on enhancing security at government owned critical infrastructure sites, at special events, and at seasonal at-risk locations in New York State. To be eligible for funding, first responders must have a completed assessment of their capability to prevent and protect against attacks on the site. Up to $50,000 in grant funding is applied to mitigate vulnerabilities identified in the risk and capability assessments.

“The safety and security of residents in the Lower Hudson Valley must be a top priority,” said Rep. Nita Lowey. “These federal grants will enable local law enforcement and public safety officials in Westchester and Rockland to protect our communities.”

Two lower Hudson Valley entities received grants under the Technical Rescue & Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program.

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has allocated $2 million to support the Technical Rescue & Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program. Eligible teams could request up to $150,000 to sustain and advance their capabilities in a variety of areas including structural collapse/urban search and rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, Swiftwater rescue and rope rescue. Specific emphasis is placed on the development of regional partnership[s to efficiently enhance response operations. Through targeted planning, equipment acquisition, training and exercise activities, these grant funds will be used to enhance the ability of these teams to save lives during disasters.

Putnam County was awarded $150,000 to advance capabilities in rope rescue.

The Yorktown Heights Fire Department was awarded $68,618 for development of Swiftwater rescue capabilities.

“Our local law enforcement officers and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our families,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “These critical investments will help provide the tools and training they need to save lives, strengthen our communities, and come home safe at the end of each day.”