Press Release

Secretaries Gutierrez, Chertoff Announce Nearly $1 Billion in First Responder Communications Grants

Funds to Help Fire Fighters, Police and Other First Responders Communicate During a Disaster

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff today announced the $968 million in Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grants to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination during a natural or man-made disaster.

The PSIC grant program will assist public safety agencies in the acquisition, deployment, and training of interoperable communications systems to enhance the ability of first responders to communicate via voice, data, and/or video signals. Also, released today are the grant guidance and application kits. Applications are due in 30 days, and grants will be awarded by September 30, 2007, as required by the Call Home Act of 2006.

The U.S. Congress authorized $1 billion to establish the PSIC program as a one-time, formula-based, matching grant program in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Grant awards will be made to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and four U.S. territories.

“Under this streamlined program, states will be given grants to use technology that will make our cities and states safer,” said Secretary Gutierrez. “When disaster strikes, we want our first responders to have the best tools available to communicate.”

“Achieving interoperable communications is a major priority for our department and should be a priority for every community across our nation,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “These grants will help states and cities purchase equipment, conduct training and exercises, and develop effective interoperable communications plans to get this important job done.”

First responders from different jurisdictions and agencies use disparate communication technologies that impede critical communication among fire fighters, police, and other emergency personnel during a disaster. Such differences can pose problems and impede the critical work of the nation’s first responders.

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is working with public safety agencies to achieve meaningful improvements in communicating during an emergency, and fill gaps identified in the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plans. To address these goals, states and territories are encouraged to leverage innovative technologies and solutions that enhance capabilities for responding to all hazards when selecting projects for PSIC funding. In particular, applicants should consider solutions that use the nation’s airwaves efficiently, are cost-effective, and enhance communications in areas at high risk for natural and manmade disasters. Grant-funded projects must be completed by the end of fiscal year 2010.

PSIC funds were allocated using a formula that considers threats, vulnerabilities and consequences to determine risk. The program also is consistent with existing guidance from the SAFECOM Program Office within the DHS Office for Interoperability and Compatibility.

Attached are fact sheets and funding information for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and four U.S. Territories. Additional information can be found at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/psic or http://www.dhs.gov/xgovt/grants/index.shtm.