Yesterday, Governor Jim Doyle announced $29 million to help improve emergency services throughout the state. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), after reviewing county and wireless provider's applications, has determined the eligible amount of grant money for each applicant. These grants will help implement technology which will enable emergency dispatchers to pinpoint exact locations where wireless calls are made.

"Wireless Enhanced 911 Grants will help communities update their 911 systems, improving public safety throughout Wisconsin," Governor Doyle said. "Wireless callers will soon be able to rely on emergency personnel to identify their exact location in emergency situations, adding to the peace of mind of residents in both rural and urban areas of the state."

Without this technology, emergency service dispatchers must obtain the location of a wireless caller verbally. In many instances, callers cannot give their location because they are too sick, too injured or they simply do not know their exact location. Examples of these circumstances range from car accidents in remote areas to victims of crime. The system also allows locating callers that make false threats.

In 2004, the Wisconsin Legislature passed and Governor Doyle signed legislation establishing the grant program. Last fall the PSC adopted rules to address which costs are eligible for reimbursement. In October 2005, the PSC determined the boundaries for how county emergency services departments and wireless providers will be awarded the grants. Examples of expenses that the grants will help cover include computer-aided dispatch equipment, relay networks and mapping information.

Wisconsin counties are eligible for the following amounts in order to help pay for costs incurred with updating their 911 systems to locate wireless calls. Updated county accounting documentation will be provided to the PSC in order to finalize grant amounts.

See grant awards.
KW