(WNY News Now) – Funding Aims to Enhance Facilities and Response Capabilities Across the State. Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday awarded $25 million in New York State funding to improve facilities and response capabilities for agencies comprised of volunteer firefighters. This funding, provided by the State of New York through the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, is being awarded to 88 entities across the State of New York, through the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment Grant Program. The State funding for this initiative is divided into two tracks of eligible projects to maximize the benefits of the program, facility improvement projects or equipment purchase projects.