We're Special

Happy holidays! With the year rapidly winding down, let’s revisit some Special Districts Program highlights from 2022.

Under the new State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, the $1 billion funding stream established by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help state and local governments strengthen cybersecurity protection. The grant program will provide $185 million to states by the end of this year, 80% of which must be redistributed to local governments within 45 days.

The annual Technology Innovation Award Program recognized 10 special districts this year for their achievements in citizen service, internal operations and leadership. We also choose one overall District of the Year.

The web of wires connecting thousands of power plants to supply hundreds of millions of Americans is vulnerable to more than cyber attacks. A rise in physical attacks has also caused significant disruptions and losses.

Fifty-four of the 56 entities eligible for year one federal grants applied, and 10 have fulfilled the second part of the process by submitting their cybersecurity plans. A notice of funding opportunity is expected year two in the spring.

Unmanned aerial systems, more commonly known as drones, are increasingly being used to inspect power infrastructure. The devices remove many of the potential hazards that accompany human inspections.