Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) today announced Onondaga County was awarded $601,078 in Enhanced 911 funding through the Local Enhanced Wireless program. The program was created as part of last year’s budget using revenue from the existing $1.20 surcharge on wireless phones.

“In January, four teenage boys in a sinking boat disappeared into the bitter-cold Long Island Sound after one of them desperately tried to describe their location to 911 dispatchers,” Magnarelli said. “This new funding will help bring the technology that could have pinpointed their exact location – ensuring that we don’t face another tragedy like the one on the Long Island Sound.”

The Local Enhanced program helps municipalities currently dispatching their own wireless 911 calls to pinpoint the location of wireless calls. Funds may be used for costs related to hardware, software, design and maintenance of enhanced wireless 911 service.

“The Enhanced 911 funding is intended to help ensure that localities in New York have access to equipment they need to save lives,” concluded Magnarelli. “I will continue working to ensure Onondaga County gets its fair share of funding that helps protect our families.”