A program to help modernize and strengthen local public safety and emergency communications systems across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $55 million grant opportunity to improve and maintain the state’s emergency communications systems and public safety answering points. The $45 million State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant (SICG-Formula) allows New York State to reimburse eligible counties for various activities related to the statewide emergency communications system. The $10 million Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant Program allows counties to receive state support for eligible public safety call answering and dispatch expenses.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority and ensuring an effective response in an emergency where every second counts means having the right tools and support for critical systems like the emergency communications system,” Governor Hochul said“This funding is critical to strengthening New York’s emergency response capabilities, and I encourage county officials across the state to take advantage of these funding opportunities and ensure first responders have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “When disaster strikes, it is critical that first responders communicate clearly with each other as they protect communities and save lives. With this funding, public safety partners will be able to implement critical infrastructure and technology upgrades, This is critical to strengthening local response postures and building safer communities.”
Applications are now open and the deadline for the SICG-Formula and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) programs is Monday 26 June 2023.
For more information on both grant opportunities, visit DHSES Grants Web page.
Governor Hochul previously Announce Additional investments and measures in the FY 2024 Budget to improve emergency response services across the state, including:
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$105 million Upgrade the State Emergency Operations Center, which serves as the State’s centralized location for coordinating emergency preparedness and response activities for all major emergencies. -
$25 million Provides financial grants to volunteer fire departments to construct, renovate, or purchase facilities and equipment. -
$20 million Assist counties in transitioning to next-generation 911 through a fiber-optic cable network that will connect to a single public service answering point in each county. -
$10 million A state-funded stipend is provided to volunteer firefighters who complete basic training.
State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant (SICG-Formula)
The State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant (SICG-Formula) focuses on minimizing gaps in interoperable communications by aligning technology acquisition with operational use by first responders to provide the foundation necessary to achieve high levels of interoperability. The grant allows New York State to reimburse eligible expenses that help localities maintain and improve communications systems and components, training and exercises, and governance structures. It also supports county public safety organizations in enhancing emergency response, improving the capabilities and performance results of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Emergency Communications Program, improving operational procedures and infrastructure development, and addressing SAFECOM guidelines for DHS cybersecurity and infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
A total of $45 million in SICG-Formula grant funding is available to eligible counties and New York City.
Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant (PSAP)
The Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant (PSAP) is non-competitive and allocates funds through a formula that divides funds equally among awardees based on several different criteria, including scope of operation, demographic factors, emergency service call metrics, Deployment of new technologies and compliance with state and national emergency telecommunications guidelines. The grant supports the recipient’s existing operations and encourages the development of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology and the geographic information system (GIS) data required for NG911. PSAP grants also facilitate the development of operational and program efficiencies and overall collaboration among different jurisdictions, such as other counties and state agencies.
The 2022-23 state budget allocates $10 million to eligible applicants to support PSAP operations and improvements. New York State provides reimbursement for operating expenses, including personnel costs.
