Department Of Homeland Security Awards Interoperable Communications Grants
Oklahoma Will Receive Funds To Develop Demonstration Project
Release Date: September 25, 2003
Release Number: R6-03-121
Denton, TX -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $846,263 will be awarded to Tulsa, Oklahoma to help develop interoperable communications systems. The grants funds are part of a program to develop demonstration projects that will use equipment and technology to increase interoperability among the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical service communities. Tulsa will receive grant funding to allow the Tulsa Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) to equip its personnel with mobile and portable communications and join the State's 800 MHz radio system. Adding EMSA will greatly improve first responder efforts, particularly in disaster response, and will allow direct communications between EMSA medics and their partners in the Tulsa Fire and Police Departments.
"These grants are intended to help develop solutions that will guide future communications equipment funding so that all communities can meet an interoperability performance standard," said Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge. "Providing funds that will help bring these technologies to the light of day supports homeland security's goal to make all of America safer."
FEMA and the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (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. FEMA announced funding for 17 communities today. COPS will fund 14 community grants.
"These grants will allow us 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."
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: Thursday, 25-Sep-2003 11:08:03