By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Federal Homeland Security money is finally on its way to Western New York. Deputy County Executive Carl Calabrese says in a matter of days Buffalo, Erie and Niagara Counties will receive the first installment.
Calabrese says one of the top priorities will be to use the funds to upgrade the county's communication capabilities, training and equipment purchases.
"We're looking at verything from bomb disposal and detection equipment to mobile command vehicles that could respond to a chemical, biological or radiation threat or incident that might occur," Calabrese said.
Calabrese says shortly after President Bush arrived for his Buffalo visit last week, the Homeland Security Department called and mailed the contracts within 24 hours. Calabrese learned on Tuesday that checks are on the way to the region.