NTIA, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, just released the allocation formula, grant guidance and application kits for the one-time program intended to establish a baseline level of interoperability for emergency communications across the country. Applications are due Aug. 22. Grants will be awarded by Sept. 30.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said at a press conference announcing the grant opportunity that he expects the funds will help the country achieve basic interoperability by 2009.

PSIC funds can be used to acquire and deploy interoperable communications systems that use or can interface with the public safety spectrum in the 700 megahertz frequency band and to train first responders on how to use the equipment.

"So, it's not necessarily the case that everyone's got to run out and buy brand new equipment," Chertoff said. "Sometimes the right answer is to take existing equipment and plug it into something that allows it to talk to one another."

Read more about Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grants in an upcoming issue of the Local/State Funding Report newsletter.

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