U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Rochester-Finger Lakes region is set to receive $339,659 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocations. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the $339,659 in funding for Monroe, Orleans, and Wayne Counties comes 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.
“Although it is sometimes overlooked, New York has a long international border, and highly-trafficked international ports of call. Today’s announcement is another major step in ensuring that New Yorkers in the Finger Lakes region 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. Monroe County will receive $160,558, Orleans County will receive $109,701 and Wayne County will receive $69,400. These funds will go towards facilitating cooperation between law enforcement officials and agencies who jointly work to secure the United States border.