Report: New York State still diverting E911 funds
A report released by New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi said the state continues to divert to its General Fund, for purposes of budget relief, more than 40% of revenues earmarked for the expansion of wireless E911 services. According to the report, $40.8 million was deposited into the General Fund from Aug. 1 2002 through June 30, 2003, while $57.0 million was deposited into the Statewide Public-Safety Communications Account. The report also noted that while the Account originally was created to fund wireless E911 deployments and system improvements, a state law enacted in 2002 allows those monies to also be used for homeland security measures. In addition, 21 counties are Phase II compliance, while 36 counties plus New York City are still waiting.