Hoyer, Prince George's County Launch New Public Safety Communications Network
"Efficient coordination is vital for law enforcement and first responders to meet daily public safety needs, as well as respond to large-scale disasters," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer. "This new network will significantly enhance data interoperability in the county and strengthen the ability of officials to communicate and coordinate with one another and outside jurisdictions. I am pleased to support this important initiative, which represents a truly coordinated effort between federal, state and local partners."
"During my time as County Executive I have made many important announcements, but none as are important as the one I'm making today," Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson said. "After being known as the communication gap in the region for many years, today we are closing that gap by launching a new state-of-the-art radio system."
The new network - built on 700 MHz spectrum made available through the Congressionally mandated conversion of analog television broadcasts to digital - will provide multiple, dedicated radio channels for the sole purpose of public safety communications within and between jurisdictions. With the launch of the network, Prince George's County becomes the first jurisdiction in the National Capital Region to be built on the analog TV airwaves.
"The frequencies analog television once occupied are now available for our public safety officers," said Rep. Hoyer. "We increased this capacity so our first responders could more effectively and reliably communicate with one another- especially across jurisdictions."
A combined federal, state and local investment financed the purchase of communications equipment and infrastructure upgrades to improve upon the old network of less reliable technologies. Federal funding totaled $14.9 million, including $9.5 million in grants and $5.4 million in appropriations secured by Congressman Hoyer and members of Maryland's delegation. Another $500,000 for the County is under consideration through this year's appropriations process.
"This important public safety initiative was made possible through a coordinated partnership of federal, state and local bodies, working together to help improve public safety in Prince George's County and the region," said Rep. Hoyer. "This has been a long but extremely vital process to ensure our women and men on the front lines are capable of communicating more effectively."
The following is a breakdown of federal funding acquired for the new Prince George's County interoperable radio system.
Grant funding ($9.5 million)
$7.5 million in UASI grant funding (Urban Areas Security Initiative) (DHS)
$1 million from the COPS Grant (DOJ)
$1 million in PSIC Grant funding (Public Safety Interoperable Communications) (DHS)
Federal Appropriations ($5.9 million)
FY08 ($3,736,500)
Bowie Police Law Enforcement Technology Upgrades, $470,000
Hyattsville Data and Communications Law Enforcement Equipment, $658,000
Laurel Radio Communications, $611,000
Prince George's County Interoperable Radio Systems, $1,997,500
FY09 ($1,600,000)
Bowie Police Department Technology and Equipment Upgrades, $500,000
Greenbelt Interoperable Radio Communication, $200,000
Hyattsville Police Technology Upgrades, $200,000
Prince George's County Interoperable Radio System, $700,000
FY10 ($500,000)
Prince George's County Municipal Interoperability Upgrades, $500,000
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