"Over the past three years we have responded to 15 federally declared disasters, and the chief concern has been interoperability," Gov. Blunt said. "Information sharing during a rapidly unfolding event is critical to saving lives and minimizing damage."
"Interoperable communications continues to be a major challenge in distressing times and the overwhelming response received further confirms interoperability concerns around the state," said Mark James, Director of the Department of Public Safety. "My department is addressing this crisis by seeking state funds to build an interoperable communications network to serve all first responders throughout the state."
The governor said he supports including state funding for an interoperable communications network in Missouri.
Through smart purchasing practices, Missouri saved $800,000 from the first round of Homeland Security FY05 SHSGP Interoperable Communications Grant Program (ICGP) awards. Those savings enabled Missouri to help more local public safety departments fund equipment to safeguard their communities.
The state received 247 applications totaling more than $9.2 million. The reviewers scored and narrowed the applications to ensure the available $800,000 would benefit as many public safety response departments as possible with their Interoperable Communications equipment needs.
Each public safety organization received a letter detailing the type and number of radios or equipment they are authorized to purchase. As part of the grant award, for every radio awarded the organization must decommission one wide-band radio for a new narrow-band P-25 Radio so that communities become compliant with new FCC regulations.
For a complete list of awards visit the Department of Public Safety's Internet site at www.dps.mo.gov. For more information about the grants, contact the State Emergency Management Agency (573) 526-9236.
