NY Homeland Security News

$38M Statewide Interoperable Communications Grants for First Responders

Governor Hochul announced $38 million in Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) funding awarded to 17 counties and New York City to strengthen emergency communications infrastructure for first responders. The NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will administer the grants, which support radio tower construction, equipment installation, and enhanced interoperability channels for public safety communications.

Governor Hochul Deploys 78 Personnel and 81 Equipment to Massachusetts Winter Storm Response

New York Governor Hochul deployed 78 personnel and 81 pieces of snow removal equipment to Massachusetts to support winter storm response under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The deployment included personnel from the NY State Thruway Authority, NY State Department of Transportation, and NY Power Authority. This mutual aid response follows a blizzard that brought over two feet of snow to southeastern Massachusetts. Personnel and equipment remain available for NY localities as snow removal operations continue statewide.

Winter Storm Warning Upstate New York Up to 18 Inches

Governor Hochul and the NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services issued a winter storm warning for Upstate New York including the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central and Western regions. The storm could bring up to 18 inches of snow in the Tug Hill Plateau and wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour in Western New York. State agencies including DOT, Thruway Authority, State Police, and utility companies are prepared with equipment and personnel to respond to the storm.

$10.5 Million Awarded Through Federal Homeland Security Program to 80 NY Localities

Governor Hochul announced $10.5 million in federal homeland security grants awarded through the FY 2023 and FY 2024 State Homeland Security Program to 80 cities, towns, villages, and counties statewide. Funding through seven grant programs supports bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, technical rescue teams, and cybersecurity capabilities. The NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the funding.

Governor Hochul Announces Auto Insurance Fraud Reforms, Teaching Scholarship, Immigration Protections, and Energy Customer Refunds

New York Governor Hochul's office released multiple press announcements including proposals to address auto insurance costs through fraud reforms, a new $50,000 Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship for CUNY teaching students, expanded immigration protection proposals, and a $50 million energy utility settlement returning funds to 278,000 customers. The auto insurance fraud reform announcement highlighted proposals to lower costs by limiting payouts to bad actors and prioritizing drivers over insurers.