Governor Andrew M. Cuomo February 7 announced $55 million in grant funding to counties statewide to enhance emergency communications systems. According to a statement released by the governor's office, the funding "will enable local governments to expand their ability to communicate, exchange valuable data, and streamline information to enhance collaboration and assist first responders." Columbia County is eligible to receive more than $675,000 in grant awards from two programs, and Greene County nearly $608,000. Counties can use the funding for a variety of functions, including installing new equipment at towers and antenna sites, implementing Next Generation 911 technologies and standards, supporting the operations of public safety dispatch centers, and deploying new technology to help counties link their systems together. The funding will also support training and exercises to promote first responder readiness. Read the full press release at governor's [dot] ny [dot] gov.