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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday that four kinds of emergency response teams will receive Federal FY 2017 State Homeland Security Program grant funds, and a combination of 14 cities or counties will receive funds to enhance the capabilities of vital emergency response teams and protect critical infrastructure in their jurisdiction. The $6.5 million in funding supports New York's explosive detection canine teams, hazardous materials teams, tactical teams, and technical rescue and urban search teams, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure. Tompkins County was awarded two grants, including $72,000 from the Hazardous Materials Targeted Grant Program, and $100,000 in Tactical Team Targeted Grant Program money for the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office.

"Public safety is our top priority, and this funding allows cities and counties to provide our first responders with the tools and resources they need to protect New Yorkers in their time of need," Cuomo said. "These programs help support our goal of having the best trained and best equipped first responders in the nation."

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the targeted grant program, which has distributed approximately $43.7 million to four different types of specialty teams and for critical infrastructure protection since each program's inception.

"These grants will help to ensure communities have the resources they need for emergency preparedness and infrastructure," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Public safety is critical to protecting residents in our cities and counties, and this program is helping to aid first responders and make sure people are protected in emergency situations."

Roger L. Parrino Sr., Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said, "This annual program contributes vital funds for training and equipping the state's first responders, as well as for protecting critical infrastructure sites across the state. These funds play a critical role in helping to prepare the state's first responders for taking action in emergency situations."

Critical Infrastructure Grant Program: This program promotes a common understanding and approach to risk management and provides funding to support local first responders' efforts to mitigate risk and enhance protection capabilities at special event sites and government owned critical infrastructure sites.

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