St. Lawrence County is slated to receive more than $2.6 million to improve emergency communications as part of a round of homeland security grants.

St. Lawrence County’s share of the grants will total $2,679,690, according to a press release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

The St. Lawrence County funds are part of a round of grants aimed at enhancement of emergency communications systems, according to Cuomo.

The grant allows local governments to improve the ability of first responders to communicate with neighboring counties during a disaster for the most efficient response to an emergency, Cuomo said.

A total of $80 million dollars will be distributed throughout the state to support preparedness programs, protection of infrastructure, and search and rescue teams, Cuomo said.

The grants are funded by both the state and federal governments, but will be distributed by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

“New York has seen some of the nation’s worst disasters in recent years, and this $80 million will go a long way to strengthening the network of locally-based emergency response infrastructure across our state,” Cuomo said.

“First responders are often the initial line of defense in any critical incident, and supporting their communication abilities is an important way for the state to help safeguard our communities during a crisis. My administration is committed to providing our emergency personnel with the assistance they need to serve their communities.”

“The grant funds are released to applicants who have demonstrated their ability to meet established criteria and will utilize the available grant funds to provide the most efficient and effective protective services to their communities,” said DHSES Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer.