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Niagara County receives $6 million grant for emergency communications upgrade

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Wed, Nov 28th 2018 03:35 pm
Niagara County has been awarded a $6 million grant from The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications. The award is from the 2018 SICG-targeted program that is being distributed based on an analysis of data related to the implementation of national interoperability channels in New York.
The SICG-targeted program focuses on closing gaps in national interoperability channels implementation and enhancing regional alliance, ensuring county communication systems are capable to support multijurisdictional response. The SICG-targeted program provides a way forward for ensuring a safer environment for public safety personnel, integration with other emergent technologies, and the ability to establish technology and performance standards.
Niagara County has been working with New York state to develop a process to improve the infrastructure relating to national interoperability channels for the emergency communications system in the county. A comprehensive plan was submitted for review this past summer.
Legislature Chairman W. Keith McNall said, "This funding will ensure that the emergency communications system in Niagara County provides the best interoperable system for the first responders and citizens in Niagara County, and will improve coverage within our schools. The award is a credit to Sheriff James Voutour and Fire Coordinator Jon Schultz and the staff at the Niagara County Sheriff's Office and Fire Coordinators Office."
Voutour said, "Our main concern is for the citizens of Niagara County and the ability of all first-responders to assist the public in their time of need. This funding will allow Niagara County to enhance communication coverage on the primary law enforcement and fire services radio network as well as provide seamless communication for any responding agencies in the event of a large-scale emergency."
The grant will upgrade the infrastructure at three existing tower sites and will also provide for three additional towers in Niagara County. It is anticipated the project will begin immediately, with system engineering, vendor proposals and preliminary site identification already started. Construction will begin as soon as those preliminary steps are completed and a contract is awarded.
The interoperability of the Niagara County system will allow for communication between out-of-area responding agencies and the Niagara County Dispatch Center and local first responders, in the event of an emergency in Niagara County. In addition, the funding will improve the existing land mobile radio system in Niagara County for local police and fire services, providing enhanced coverage for larger buildings such as schools and retail locations.

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