NORWICH – The Chenango County Emergency Management Office is on the receiving end of a $1 million grant that will help it strengthen emergency communications countywide.

The grant comes by way of the New York State Division of Homeland Security’s interoperable communications grant program, which helps municipalities boost the scope of their emergency response. Chenango is one of 57 counties awarded a total $100 million through the program.

Funding was awarded by two different grants: $90 million from the state’s interoperable communications grant program; and $10 million for public safety answering point grants. Both funding streams help bolster the efficiency of emergency communications.

Chenango County has received program grants in the past which have been earmarked to improve the Office of Emergency Management’s radio system. This includes roadway improvements to tower sites and preparation work for a new radio tower on County Road 36.

Chenango Couny’s Emergency Management Office has said it hopes to use this year’s round of grant funding to make additional updates to the communications system.

“This funding is critical to strengthen New York’s emergency response capabilities, in situations where every second counts,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul when she announced funding earlier this month. “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.”

In addition to Chenango County’s share of grant funds, neighboring Broome, Cortland, Madison, and Otsego counties also received grants to improve emergency communications.