John Cropley reports in the Daily Gazette that on Aug. 3 New York State announced it was doling out millions of dollars to upgrade their emergency radio systems through state grants funded by cellphone surcharges. Counties are getting their shares of $90 million from the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, for large-scale projects, and $10 million from the Public Safety Answering Point program. "This funding is critical to strengthening New York's emergency response capabilities, in situations where every second counts," Governor Hochul said. "We are laser focused on making smart investments in public safety across the state and these grants will be a significant boost for local governments working around the clock to keep New Yorkers safe." Greene County gets $919,750 of SICG funds and $152,531 from the Public Safety Answering Point program, while Columbia County is receiving $899,384 and $163,362. Albany County gets $2,365,306 and $220,092; Rensselaer County receives $1,451,319 and $168,104; Dutchess County gets $1,110,478 and $163,057; and Ulster County receives $1,091,873 and $119,511. Read more about this story in the Daily Gazette.