Department Of Homeland Security Awards $6 Million For Interoperable Communications In Virginia 

Release Date: September 26, 2003
Release Number: R3-03-91

Washington, DC -- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that $6 million will be awarded to Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the University of Virginia to help develop interoperable communications systems.

The grant recipients will receive funds as part of a joint program between DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop demonstration projects that will use equipment and technology to increase interoperability among the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical service communities.

The regional consortium has created an Emergency Communications Center Management Board that represents all public safety from the City of Charlottesville, County of Albemarle, Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Airport and the University of Virginia and has proposed a system that combines a myriad of technical solutions.

"This grant supports our efforts to identify cutting-edge technologies that exist out in the field," said DHS Under Secretary Michael D. Brown. "Because many variables need to be addressed, we need to develop options for communities in establishing standards so that they can best meet their communications needs."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is overseeing the grant process for DHS, while the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is overseeing DOJ's participation.

FEMA and COPS adopted collaborative efforts for a single competitive grant program in an effort to maximize the impact of the funding available for interoperable communications equipment. In addition to the 17 communities receiving grants from FEMA, 14 will receive funds from the COPS program. The maximum federal share for each award is $6 million.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Monday, 06-Oct-2003 09:13:28