Governor Announces Grants to Help First Responder Communication

Tag : Communication Radios

Press Release
(Indianapolis, IN) - Governor Mitch Daniels today announced morethan $20 million in grants will be used to enhance voice and datacommunication for local first responders in Indiana.
"The statewide goal is to give all public safety professionals theability to have communication systems that work with each other,and to make them affordable and available for every community,"said Joe Wainscott, executive director of IDHS. Funds will be usedto purchase radios, add seven communication sites and providetraining to use the system.
The allocations of radios will be distributed according to anIndiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS)-led survey in 2007.Based on available funds, an equal percentage of each local requestis being awarded for the purchase of eligible portable radios andaccessories.
"First responders often times use different technologies thatimpede critical communication among firefighters, police, and otheremergency personnel during a disaster, said Jason Hutchens,planning division director at IDHS. This technology investmentwill help our first responders effectively communicate andultimately save lives.

In total, the grant will fund:
-More than 5,200 ($13 million) radios going to first responders
-$2.9 million for communication infrastructure
-$2.1 million dedicated to the advancement of integrated datasharing
-The first statewide interoperable communications conference onJuly 1st and 2nd
-The implementation of Communications Asset System Mapping (CASM),a tool for use by local, county and state public safety officialsto develop interoperable communications plans.

The funds will advance Project Hoosier SAFE-T, an award-winningcommunication network that is making it possible for Indiana publicsafety professionals to communicate across the state. The projectsupports both analog and digital radios, providing 95% mobile radiocoverage. The network allows local, state and federal agencies tobe included in essential emergency communications.
Dave Smith, director of Indiana Public Safety InteroperableCommunications, said This is an opportunity for us to increase thenumber of radios in the state by approximately 20 percent.Additionally, were going to be able to add seven sites forportable coverage which is extremely valuable for those on thesystem.
Source: Office of the Governor of Indiana