Press Release - Interoperable Emergency Comm. Grant
FEMA Allocates $48 Million for Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP)
Develops grant guidance with DHS Office of Emergency Communications
FEMA announced June 20 that it is making available $48 million to fund and improve interoperable emergency communications capabilities across states, territories, local units of government, and tribal communities under its Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP).
Working with the DHS Office of Emergency Communications, FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate jointly developed grant guidance for states and other applicants for the IECGP. For FY 2008, the program will fund four key areas: planning, training, exercise, and personnel (including management and administrative costs). In its announcement, FEMA said that all activities proposed under IECGP must be integral to interoperable emergency communications. They must also be aligned with the goals and initiatives identified in the grantee's approved statewide communication interoperability plan, as well as with the goals of the National Emergency Communications Plan.
FEMA said the IECGP funds will be allocated based on "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.” Accordingly, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will receive a minimum allocation of 0.50 percent of the total funds allocated. In addition, four U.S. territories (American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will receive a minimum allocation of 0.08 percent of the total funds allocated. FEMA said it expects to award funds by the end of September 2008. Grantees are not required to provide a cash or in-kind match for these awards.
Information about applying for these grants is available at www.grants.gov.
Colorado's IECGP funding will be $609,616 with a state application due by 21 July 2008. The performance period for the grant will be two years. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security (OHS) will be coordinating a single application from the state with four separate meetings with the State Interoperable Communications Coordinator and subject matter experts. The meetings will be taking place on the 7th, 11th, 14th, and 16th of July 2008. If there is a desire to provide input to this process, please contact Gene McGahey at Gene.McGahey@state.co.us or phone 303-866-6279.