SCHUMER ANNOUNCES KEY SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES $500,000 TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNCIATION NETWORK FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
Federal Funds Will Support Construction of 14 Communications Towers To Improve Communication System For First Responders and Improve Information-Sharing Between Emergency Personnel Throughout Central New York
Schumer Worked Closely With Committee To Include Funding In Spending Bill
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies has approved FY10 Appropriations Bill which includes $300,000 for the Onondaga County Interoperable Communication System and $200,000 for Madison County to build the county's portion of an interoperable emergency communications system. Schumer and Gillibrand worked closely with members of the Appropriations Committee to include funding for the project in this year's spending bill.
"We cannot compromise the safety of our communities in emergency situations," said Schumer. "This money will help our first responders work together to do their jobs more efficiently. A more integrated communication system will streamline emergency response services across Onondaga and Madison Counties to make sure that our first responders can act quickly and respond efficiently when we need their help the most."
Onondaga County will receive $300,000 in funding to pay for the replacement of an existing disparate Land Mobile Radio system that supports all County first responders and City of Syracuse. Onondaga County will work with the National Institute of Justice to ensure the system as built is fully P25 compliant by providing minimum standards regarding Voice IP, InBuilding coverage, and mobile and portable coverage. Onondaga County has taken additional steps to ensure its vision is within the spirit of Interoperability, by signing the five county consortiums. This consortium consists of Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Oswego Counties. Funds will also be used to implement the National Interoperable Channels so that all counties can communicate with each other.
Madison County will receive $200,000 in funding for an interoperable emergency communications system that will allow first responders from different agencies to share the information they need for everyday missions as well as major disasters. The network of wireless towers extends reliable, secure communications service across remote areas, ensuring that emergency personnel have confidence that they are receiving complete, uptodate information while they are on the scene.
Now that the bill has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, it will be sent to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. Following approval by the Full Committee and the Senate, the bill will move towards Conference with the House and then to the President for signature.
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