U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Central and Northern New York is set to receive $768,562 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocations. First, Schumer and Gillibrand announced that $617,022 in funding for Cayuga, Jefferson Oswego, and St. Lawrence 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 $151,540 in funding through the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) for the Ports of Ogdensburg and Oswego. 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 Central and Northern New York especially, has a long international border, and highly-trafficked international ports of call. Today’s announcement is another major step in ensuring that Central New Yorkers 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 these incredibly important economic hubs, 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. Cayuga County will receive $99,723, Jefferson County will receive $136,498, Oswego County will receive $100,801 and St. Lawrence County will receive $280,000. 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 $131,625 to the Port of Ogdensburg and $19,915 to the Port of Oswego. Senator Schumer has long fought for Port Security Grants for the Port of Oswego, having securing $160,000 in federal funding for a 17-camera surveillance system in 2011.