EC Emergency Services receives $1.2 million Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant

NYS grant aids in enhancing emergency response, improving capability, infrastructure development

New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services agency recently announced it awarded Erie County a grant for $1.2 million under the NYS 2020 Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG). The program allows for state support to aid counties and local public safety organizations in enhancing emergency response, improving capability, facilitating improvements in governance structures, and infrastructure development.

“Grants such as this help Erie County’s homeland security and emergency response efforts tremendously by improving coordination and communication in crisis situations, and I thank NYSHSES Commissioner Murphy for this award,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said. “When an emergency happens and seconds count, it’s essential that responders be as connected as possible to assist affected individuals or communities as quickly and efficiently as possible. This grant will help to keep our community safer.”

The SICG grant program concentrates on improving interoperability and operability of communications systems in New York. The grant has a 24-month performance period, from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2022.