Lowey Secures Extra Funds for Larchmont & Mamaroneck
Security
by Judy Silberstein  (December
18, 2003) If the federal Omnibus Appropriations bill passes,
and if President Bush signs it, Larchmont and Mamaroneck
should be receiving additional emergency equipment next
year thanks to the efforts of Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey.
The funds will add to ongoing efforts to develop a Westchester
County emergency radio system and to local efforts in this
direction.
Congresswoman Lowey announced on Thursday,
December 11, that she had succeeded in adding funds to
the Fiscal Year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations bill for local
homeland security efforts.
"I am proud to bring home these funds to boost local
homeland security efforts," said Lowey, who is a member
of both the House Appropriations Committee and the Select
Committee on Homeland Security. "By working in partnership
with local governments and first responders, we can carry
out initiatives that make our communities safer and improve
the quality of life in Westchester."
Lowey, also a Member of the Select Committee on Homeland
Security, obtained $290,000 to expand the Westchester County
Law Enforcement Communications Equipment program. The County
had already planned to provide each locality with a stationary
radio center and with interoperable, portable radios. WIth
the additional sum, it will be possible to provide four
additional portable radios to each of the 33 Westchester
municipalities in the 18th Congressional District, including
Larchmont and Mamaroneck.
The equipment will come from the U.S. Department of Justice
and will allow law enforcement units to communicate with
other units during regional emergencies.
"A 'slowly but surely' approach is no way to meet
our homeland security needs," said Lowey. "I
am committed to securing funds for local security efforts
in every way possible. I will continue working with fire,
police, and rescue officials in my district to ensure that
they have the tools they need to protect our communities," she
added.
The bill including these funds was passed by the House
of Representatives earlier last week. The U.S. Senate will
consider the bill when it reconvenes in January.
Equipping each muncipality with interoperable radios that
allow communication across jurisdictions is a pricey and
complex proposition. For the past two years, Westchester
County has been putting together a new emergency radio
system that, for the first time, will link all the emergency
workers in the County. In addition to a stationery radio
station in each police headquarters, the County intends
to provide mobile radios for each fire truck and ambulance.
There will be portable, handheld radios as well. Getting
the system working involves complex coordination among
the multiple muncipalities in the County. "A lot of
behind the scenes work is needed before the radio system
is up and running," explained Deputy Commissioner
of Emergency Services Anthony Sutton.
"We're very appreciative of any effort to enhance
emergency planning in Westchester County," said Sutton. "The
Congresswoman has been at the forefront of obtaining funds
for us and getting support of our initiatives."
"We're expecting the (federal) monies to arrive simultaneous
with the County system. The timing will be very advantageous," said
Sutton.
Larchmont Trustee Mike Wiener reported that
Assemblyman Ron Tocci has also been assisting the Village
of Larchmont secure a New York State grant of $16,000 to
purchase additional radio equipment. At the December 7
Village Board meeting, Mayor Bialo mentioned the grant
was in the last stages of becoming available. "This
is addressing a very real need in the County," said
Wiener. "Additional radios help accelerate the implementation
of the new county system."
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