St. Lawrence County will receive nearly $1.2 million to enhancing emergency communications.

The funding will enable help the county improve its ability to communicate, exchange valuable data, and streamline information to enhance collaboration and assist first responders, according to a news release from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

"In an emergency, every second counts and these funds will help ensure our first responders have access to the best and most up to date communications equipment, enabling them to get the information they need to quickly respond," Cuomo said. "These grants will bring up one step closer to a stronger, safer and more secure New York for all."

"Effective emergency communications are essential to a first responder's mission. Utilizing the latest technology will allow dispatch centers to quickly and efficiently respond to calls for help", said Roger L. Parrino, Sr., Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. "The Division, through its Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications, will continue to help local governments invest in the latest technology so they can help our citizens in an emergency."

The county received $937,148 from the state interoperable communications grant, which is funded by cellular surcharge revenue.

The program has allowed counties to make vital improvements in the way first responders can communicate between each other and different regions of the state using land mobile radio systems, according to Cuomo.

Additionally the county received $202,461 from the state’s Public Safety Answering Grant. The funds help county operators offset their day-to-day expenses, and foster upgrades in call-taking and dispatching technology, according to the governor.