U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Western New York is set to receive over $800,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocations. First, Schumer and Gillibrand announced that $547,468 in funding for Niagara, Erie, & Chautauqua Counties through the Operation Stonegarden Program (OPSG) in the FY2013 Homeland Security Grant Program Allocation. The OPSG program provides funding to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along points of entry along international borders. Schumer and Gillibrand today also announced $259,500 in funding through the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) for the Port of Buffalo. The PSGP provides funding to port authorities, facility operators, and State and local government agencies required to provide port security services for improvements to transportation infrastructure.
“Although it is sometimes overlooked, New York and especially the Western New York region, has an important international border, and highly-trafficked international ports of call. Today’s announcement is another major step in ensuring that Western New Yorkers in are safe and secure,” said Senator Schumer. “I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the importance of this investment and has increased New York’s funding share.”
“We must always remain vigilant and make the right investments to keep our ports and borders secure,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal funds will support our law enforcement, giving them more of the tools and resources to protect this incredibly important economic hub, and keep our families safe.”
The FY 2013 OPSG funding allocations total $55,000,000 and New York is set to receive $1,707,382. Chautauga County will receive $171,295, Erie County will receive $175,266 and Niagara County will receive $200,907. These funds will go towards facilitating cooperation between law enforcement officials and agencies who jointly work to secure the United States border. In addition, the FY 2013 PSGP funding will allocate $259,500 to the Port of Buffalo; of which the City of Tonawanda will receive $12,000 and the New York State Department of Environment Conservation will receive $247,500.