Cuomo, Crowley Laud Fed Homeland Security Grants To State
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) yesterday announced the availability of $8.5 million in funding to support emergency response teams across New York.
The Federal FY 2017 State Homeland Security Program funds help support New York’s hazardous materials teams, bomb squads, critical infrastructure sites, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, and technical rescue and urban search teams.
“Public safety is our top priority and these funds will help ensure our first responders have access to the tools and resources they need to protect their communities,” said Cuomo. “These programs provide some of our bravest New Yorkers with the training, support, and equipment they need to keep our state safe and strong.”
The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the targeted grant program, which has distributed approximately $54.8 million to the six different specialty teams since each program’s inception. All specialty teams must submit their applications for grant funding to the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services by April 17, 2018.
“These grants will provide the funding necessary to fully equip our state’s emergency response teams with the tools they need to protect New York families,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, part of the Bronx). “Governor Cuomo knows the diverse needs of New York’s emergency response teams. These heroes work every day to neutralize potential threats to our state and fortify our security infrastructure.”
Avella Decries Parks Officials For Lack Of Response
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) today will will host a press conference at his district office to call attention to the city’s Department of Parks’ to constituent complaints regarding dangerous and overgrown New York City trees.
Avella sent the location of hundreds of problematic trees throughout his District and the Parks Department sent a list of 65 back to him instructing the homeowners to call 311. This response, according to Avella, is “disgraceful and a clear dereliction of duty.”
Avella noted that 1,250 homeowners had responded to a survey he distributed and 66% of respondents said they feared for their safety as a result of a tree on their block. Additionally, 71% of respondents said they were completely unaware of the Parks Department’s “Tree and Sidewalk Repair Program.”
The press conference is slated for 11:30 a.m., today, March 9 at Avella’s District Office: 38-50 Bell Boulevard, Suite C, in Bayside.
Peralta Addresses Traffic Safety In Brooklyn
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside) today will join State Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-Brooklyn) to address renewed efforts for increases traffic safety measures.
The call to address safety measures comes on the heels of this week’s tragic traffic-related deaths of an infant and a toddler in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Peralta will join with legislative colleagues calling for increased safety measures at 10:30 a.m., today, March 9 at the site of the accident – the corner of 9th Street & 5th Avenue in Brooklyn.
Crowley On International Women’s Day
U.S. Rep. and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, part of the Bronx) yesterday recognized International Women’s Day as an important time for women’s rights and the fight for equality and justice.
“Women of all backgrounds are transforming our communities by demanding their full economic and social rights – using their voices to advocate for equal pay, the end of harassment in the workplace, access to affordable health care, and a larger representation in all fields. These efforts have sparked change and have inspired future generations,” said Crowley.
“Today, as we celebrate the contributions of the brave women who’ve demanded progress, let’s seize this moment to further empower women. It is incumbent on us all to advance equality and create a future where all women have the opportunity to succeed.”
