(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today announced that he is supporting legislation that would provide Rhode Island and other states throughout the nation with federal funds to enhance communications between first responders. According to a 2003 survey of Second Congressional District first responders, improved communications technology and increased interoperability ranked among their top three needs.

The Connecting the Operations of National Networks of Emergency Communications Technologies (CONNECT) for First Responders Act would provide federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security to expand interoperable communications among first responders.

“Rhode Island's first responders routinely cite a lack of interoperable communications as a chief concern, and additional grant funds would be of critical importance in addressing this shortcoming,” said Congressman Jim Langevin, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “On September 11th, the need for interoperable communications systems was made abundantly clear for all cities and towns. Information sharing during a rapidly unfolding event is critical to saving lives and minimizing damage.”

A number of different factors would be considered when making a determination regarding the amount of funding for each state: nature of threat; location, risk, or vulnerability of critical infrastructure and key national assets; the number, as well as the density, of persons who would be served by interoperable communications systems; and other factors related to the commitment to achieve interoperability goals.

“It is critical that Congress provide local first responders with the training and equipment they require to effectively respond to a disaster situation, whether it be an intentional attack or an act of nature,” added Langevin.

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