A major federal funding package just cleared the U.S. House. Now, more than $4 million is earmarked for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office to operate its helicopters.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie County Sheriff’s Office could soon receive $4.2 million in federal funding to operate its helicopters.
That announcement was made Thursday afternoon by the office of U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy. It happened after the House of Representatives passed an appropriations minibus bill.
RELATED: ‘Air 2’ lands in WNY
The funding was secured through a Community Project Funding Request submitted by Langworthy and was included in the base text of the 2025 and 2026 House appropriations bill. The money is included in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies portion of the minibus package, according to Langworthy’s office.
“This funding represents a major victory for public safety in Western New York,” Langworthy said in a statement. “The brave men and women of the Erie County Sheriff’s office are on the front lines every day protecting our communities and this critical investment will give them the tools, resources, and capabilities they need to keep residents safe.”
Langworthy emphasized the length of the effort to secure the funding and its importance to his district.
“Securing this funding has been my priority since day one, and we have been fighting to get it across the finish line ever since,” he said.
“Today’s action is the result of our continued persistence, and I’m pleased that this funding will soon be a reality. Keeping our communities safe is the number one responsibility of government and I will always fight to ensure our district gets our fair share of federal funding.”
The minibus appropriations bill now now moves to the Senate for approval.
If passed there, it would be sent to the President’s desk.