County 911 Emergency Communications System Receives $5.9 Million Grant Upgrade

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a $5.9 million grant for Livingston County to upgrade its 911 emergency communication system.

The award is a combination of State and Federal grants that are distributed through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant.

“I am very pleased that the Governor has made this award,”stated  County Administrator Ian Coyle in a press release. “Plans for upgrading and enhancing our regional interoperable communications system have been under development for over a year. This funding award is critical to help advance necessary improvements, and it helps reduce the burden on local tax payers.”

According to the press release by the County Administrator the focus will be address coverage gaps identified by first responders and the replacement of old and obsolete equipment.

“While Livingston County has spent many years of time and effort in bringing state of the art technology to the 911 system, it is imperative that technology be continually upgraded and maintained for better safety and security of first responders. Our first responders represent the best of what our communities can offer and we need to make sure we provide them with the assistance they need to do their job safely and effectively.” stated Livingston County Sheriff John York.

The press release further states that 2013 has been a banner year for Livingston County in securing a total of $6.3 million in state and federal funding for upgrades to 911 infrastructure and backbone. A NYS Public Safety Answering Point grant was awarded earlier this year for over $305,000 to replace the console systems located at both the 911 Center and back-up center.