Rockland Receives $772K For Emergency Communications

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — New York State has awarded $772,788 to Rockland County for improvements to its emergency communications.

The funding will enable local governments to expand communication, exchange data, and streamline information to better equip first responders during emergencies, said Senators James Skoufis (D-Newburgh) and Elijah Reichlin-Melnick (D-New City).

"Our increased exposure to major weather events such as Superstorm Ida has a lot of residents wondering what local municipalities can do to stay connected and ahead of the game,” said Skoufis.

The grant will allow emergency service departments across the county to stay better connected to each other to save lives.

"This three-quarters of a million dollars in funding will ensure that emergency service providers are collaborating efficiently and effectively — because in an emergency situation, seconds count," Reichlin-Melnick said.

In an situation like Ida's floods, residents need to know that local police, fire, EMS, and governments are in direct and constant communication with each other to ensure they are in control of the situation, they said. And local governments and residents shouldn't have to fend for themselves.

The State Interoperable Communications Grant, administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, has awarded $472 million over nine rounds since December 2011. Eligible counties can use the funding for a variety of functions relating to improved capability, operating procedures, communications systems, and infrastructure.

Skoufis and Reichlin-Melnick said they remain committed to supplying emergency service providers and local municipalities with the tools they need to keep residents safe and healthy.