Department Of Homeland Security Awards $5.8 Million For Interoperable Communications Grants
Washington State Will Receive Funds to Develop Demonstration Projects
Release Date: September 25, 2003
Release Number: R10-03-121
Seattle, WA -- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that $5.8 million will be awarded to Clallam County, Washington, 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. Clallam County will serve as lead agency for the Olympic Public Safety Communications Alliance Network (OPS-CAN) Project, deploying a high-tech communications network across Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties.
"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 maximum federal share for each award is $6 million, and according to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, his agency is providing $5,765,100 of the total OPS-CAN Project cost of $7,693,159.
"The OPS-CAN Project involves the development of an infrastructure backbone that utilizes microwave and fiber optic cable to serve as a communications ring around the entire Olympic Peninsula," said Pennington. "This 'Olympic Loop' will provide a 'self-healing network' infrastructure that can be used by all six counties."
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.
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: Friday, 26-Sep-2003 08:08:49