Governor Cuomo Announces Federal Approval of More Than $292 Million in Homeland Security Grants

“From extreme weather events to acts of terrorism, New York’s first responders and law enforcement personnel play a vital role in keeping our communities safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding supports a variety of programs that ensure our bravest men and women are prepared for any emergency, and I am proud to be working with our federal partners to build a stronger and safer New York State.”

DHSES Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer Ph.D., MHS said, “These federal funds are very important to supporting and sustaining the first response capabilities throughout New York State, particularly in the metropolitan New York City region. DHSES is keenly aware of the valuable role the various local municipalities and their first response personnel play in ensuring our State is safe and secure. We will ensure that these funds are allocated according to the federal guidelines and that the greatest needs are met in every corner of New York State.”

The DHS funding through these programs includes:

• $178 million from the federal Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) program to the metropolitan New York City region (including Suffolk, Nassau and Westchester Counties).
• $76 million from the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) to DHSES, which manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders statewide.
• $18.1 million to the Metropolitan Transit Authority under the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
• $13.7 million in Port Security Grant (PSGP) funds, including:
  • $5.7 million to NYPD
  • $2.8 million to FDNY
  • $990,000 to NYC DOT
• $2.9 million to the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey under the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
• $2.2 million to not-for-profit organizations under the UASI Not-for-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
• $1.3 million to Operation Stonegarden for border security coordination and operations

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “New York’s law enforcement and first responders are second to none, and these federal resources help them to secure our communities, bolster anti-terrorism programs, and enhance preparedness and response capabilities. As the Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, I have made it a priority to ensure robust and effective homeland security grant programs like the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Areas Security Initiative. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to give our law enforcement and first responders the tools to protect our region.”