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Senator Pamela A. Helming (R,C,I-Canandaigua) is pleased to learn that the six counties that comprise the 54th New York State Senate District all received federal funding as part of an overall effort to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts throughout New York State. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Homeland Security Grant Program provides the $52 million State Homeland Security Program and the $7.5 million Emergency Management Performance Grant Program.

The money supports activities such as planning, organization, and training for prevention, protection, response, and recovery. The grants cover exercises and training for first responders, equipment purchases, and other capabilities.

"After witnessing the horrible disasters of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma and honoring the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we are reminded of the threat that natural disasters and terrorist attacks pose to our communities. We must always remain cognizant of these threats and do our best to prepare for these emergencies so that we can adequately protect against and respond to them. This funding will help our communities accomplish that," Helming said.

Every county in the state receives State Homeland Security Program funding through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. This money helps prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic disasters. Federal guidelines require that 25 percent of each county's total award be directed toward law enforcement agencies for terrorism prevention activities. The allocations for counties located within the 54th District are as follows: Cayuga County $154,955; Monroe County, $657,224; Ontario County, $199,942; Seneca County, $59,983; Tompkins County, $114,967; Wayne County, $169,950.

Every county in New York State also receives Emergency Management Performance Grant Program funding through the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. This money, which requires a 50 percent match, covers salaries for emergency management professionals, training and exercises to test the ability to respond to disasters and other emergencies, and provide technology to manage emergency response. The allocations for counties within the 54th District are as follows: Cayuga County, $34,781; Monroe County, $281,999; Ontario County, $45,165; Seneca County, $18,118; Tompkins County, $42,796; Wayne County, $39,896.

"It is great to know that this money is still available to our communities, and I appreciate the federal government's support in this endeavor. We have some outstanding emergency management personnel throughout our region, so I know they will use this money wisely to prepare for emergencies to the best of their abilities," Helming said.

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