"APCO International is concerned that there is no "dedicated" DHS grant program for improving first responder interoperable communications in the President's 2007 budget," the statement from APCO International said.
APCO International further noted its disappointment in the Administration's intent to eliminate the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Interoperable Communications Grant program, despite the program's success.
In its statement, APCO International urged the Administration and Congress to:
- Increase direct funding for the SAFECOM program;
- Provide $100 million for the COPS Interoperability Communications Grant program, and;
- Provide $1 billion in dedicated funding for emergency communications grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to local governments.
"There are solutions and remedies to improving emergency communications during natural and manmade disasters," the statement from APCO International said. "It is clearly time to provide focused grant programs for emergency communication needs independent of any other funding efforts."
