NEW YORK STATE – Governor Kathy Hochul announced last Monday, November 25, that nearly $220 million in federal funding to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts has been awarded to counties across the state.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing the funding through its FY2024 Homeland Security Grant Program, supporting regional homeland security efforts, including planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise activities.

“New York boasts the strongest and most capable emergency preparedness forces in the nation, and thanks to this federal funding we are making sure we have the best resources available to protect our communities,” Governor Hochul stated. “Through the partnership between federal, state and local government, we are putting the safety of New Yorkers at the center of the efforts - ensuring that whatever threats come our way, we will be prepared to meet them.”

The portion that Sullivan County has been awarded is through the State Homeland Security Program, which provides funding to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism, manmade and natural disasters and other emergencies. 

Per federal guidelines, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services must award 80 percent of this funding to local jurisdictions. Of the $61.2 million being awarded through that program, Sullivan County has received $179,249. 

Sullivan County, most notably Roscoe and Callicoon Center, was hit hard by a tornado last April, which left much destruction in its path. This funding could help protect and prepare against future such natural disasters. 

Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty stated that the Sheriff’s Office will be working closely with the Division of Public Safety and Commissioner Scott Schulte on how to allocate the funding for the maximum protection of Sullivan County residents. 

“We will conduct an assessment to see what are the most important things on our list,” Chaboty said. 

The remaining 20 percent of the State Homeland Security Program funding is used by the state to further enhance New York’s counterterrorism and emergency posture statewide, according to the Governor’s office. 

Neighboring counties to Sullivan will also benefit from the funding:

Orange County - $391,254

Ulster County - $230,463

Delaware County - $85,356

Two other award categories did not include Sullivan County - the Urban Area Security Initiative, which is $156.1 million to jurisdictions in the New York City metropolitan area, and the Operation Stonegardern Grant Program, which awarded $2.6 million to enhance cooperation and coordination between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies. 

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Funding from our federal partners plays a crucial role in the State’s preparedness capabilities. These grants go a long way to sure New York communities have resources that help them with security preparedness including training and equipment that can improve prevention and protection as well as response and recovery capabilities.”

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer noted that the federal funding is being invested to ensure that communities in every corner of New York are prepared to prevent and respond to natural emergencies and security threats.

“I fought to secure funding for FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program in last year’s budget bill so communities could bolster both threat prevention and preparation for whatever emergencies and threats - including from hate-driven violence - might come our way,” Schumer said, “and I’m thrilled they are delivering for New York today. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use.”