New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that $2.1 million in state grant funding is heading to local municipalities to help complete important projects and upgrades related to public safety. Each municipality in the 40th Senate District is receiving $100,000 in grants, and the funding can be used at the discretion of local officials, whether it be equipment for first responders, emergency communications systems, infrastructure upgrades or pedestrian safety.
Harckham’s announcement came at a press conference held at Mount Kisco Village Hall and was hosted by Mount Kisco Mayor Michael Cindrich. Joining Harckham was a bipartisan group of 13 local leaders who spoke about how they plan to use the grant funding for projects in their municipalities.
“Public safety is Job Number One for every elected official,” said Harckham. “Knowing that too often state grants are competitive, with many municipalities left out of the queue, I am pleased to be able to fund some of the public safety projects and initiatives that are ongoing or being lined up around Senate District 40. These grants will make a real difference for these municipalities while also helping to ease the property tax burdens as well.”
To see a video of the press conference, click here.
Last year, Harckham delivered $2.1 in grant funding for projects related to public spaces from the state’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program for municipalities to enhance public spaces. In 2023, the state senator earmarked $2.1 million in grants to use on electrification projects.
To date, Harckham has secured more than $40 million in capital grants for the towns, cities, villages and community organizations across SD40 through CREST, the Local Community Assistance Program (LOCAP) and State Aid to Municipalities (SAM) grants since taking office in 2019. That includes over $15 million just for local governments and over $11 million-plus for first responders—local police and fire departments, EMTs, ambulance corps, public safety professionals.
Added Harckham, “Our local officials face a number of competing challenges and priorities, which is why our partnerships with them are so vital. This funding shows that I am willing to work with all the communities and local leaders as they move forward with important projects that will benefit their communities.”
Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker said, “The Town of Cortlandt will utilize the funding to complete a new garage for our stand-alone Paramedics program. We have two fly-cars that were obtained by a generous donation from Curry Automotive. We need to garage these vehicles, both to prolong their lifespans, but also to protect sensitive medications and equipment from the effects of summer heat and winter cold. This grant will cover the design and building of this important addition to our Paramedics program and improve response time and public safety. We are grateful to Senator Harckham for making this funding available to Cortlandt.”
Peekskill City Manager Matthew Alexander said, “We are grateful to Senator Pete Harckham for once again securing critical funding for the municipalities he represents. This $100,000 allocation will help the City of Peekskill continue investing in public safety initiatives that protect our residents and enhance the quality of life throughout our community. We appreciate Senator Harckham’s continued partnership and commitment to supporting local governments.”
Village of Croton-on-Hudson Deputy Mayor Len Simon said, “By bringing one of our highest priority public safety projects one-step closer to reality, Senator Pete Harckham has hit a home run for Croton-on-Hudson. The $100,000 in CREST funds he has secured for us will be dedicated to a new roof for the Harmon Fire House, replacing the 1998 roof now beyond its intended operable lifespan. This building, which houses two of our fire companies and our EMS, is central to Croton’s public safety. We are grateful, but not surprised, because helping Croton achieve progress year in and out has always been a hallmark of Senator Hackham’s leadership.”
Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said, “I am incredibly grateful to Senator Peter Harckham for once again delivering for the Village of Ossining. This additional $100,000 grant will allow us to make important investments in public safety projects that help protect our residents, strengthen our emergency response capabilities, and enhance the quality of life in our community. Senator Harckham has been a steadfast partner, consistently securing critical funding that enables us to make meaningful improvements without placing additional burdens on local taxpayers. We sincerely thank him for his continued commitment to Ossining and the safety and well-being of everyone who calls our village home.”
Briarcliff Manor Mayor Steven Vescio said, “These funds will help enhance public safety services to our residents in a meaningful way. We are grateful to Senator Harckham for his continued successful efforts to bring money back into our district and look forward to working together on future initiatives.”
