Funding will help state and local agencies acquire, deploy and train responders in systems designed to use voice, data, and/or video signals. The grant is awarded from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in consultation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Funds were allocated using a formula that identified threats, vulnerabilities and consequences in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
Blunt has led the efforts to improve emergency response in Missouri. He directed the development of a detailed interoperability plan, created to ensure law enforcement and first responders are able to communicate during an emergency. The governor also committed more than $10 million in federal funds to ensure compatible communication among law enforcement officials and first responders when a disaster strikes.
Blunt also streamlined the state's public safety efforts, merging homeland security responsibilities into the Department of Public Safety and establishing the Homeland Security Advisory Council. In addition his Campus Security Task Force has brought together public safety, emergency response and education personnel to coordinate and plan how best to manage campus emergencies.
