ALBANY COUNTY — Albany County received $1.4 million as part of $55 million in state funding awarded for upgrades to emergency communications systems and public safety answering points.

The funding will be administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services under two different grants: $45 million from Statewide Interoperable Communications Grants and $10 million for Public Safety Answering Point grants.

Albany County received $1,175,916 under the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, which provides reimbursement to improve emergency communication systems, as well as providing funding to further enhance public safety call-taking and dispatching abilities.

Albany County also got $235,855 as a Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant, which is noncompetitive with money allocated by formula. The grant supports existing operations and encourages the development of Next Generation 911 technologies and the Geographic Information System data needed for NG911

The grant also promotes the development of operational and procedural efficiencies and overall collaboration between different jurisdictions, such as other counties and state agencies

“It’s critical first responders have the equipment and infrastructure they need to maintain clear communication during times of crisis and this funding plays a key role in these efforts,” said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray in a Wednesday release from the governor’s office announcing the grants.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer