[1st-mile-nm] NM to Receive PSIC Grant Funds

[Richard Lowenberg]

New Mexico and all other States have just submitted applications for
specific projects to be funded by the US Dep't of Commerce, NTIA.
Below is an abbreviated NTIA awards announcement, followed by a more
detailed note from one of our subscribers, on New Mexico's submitted
projects and allocations.   Stay tuned for updates on this.
Richard
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Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Awards

www.ntia.doc.gov/psic/awards.html

On September 30, 2007, the PSIC Grant Program awarded $968,385,000 to fund
interoperable communications projects from the 56 States and Territories.
These grants will provide public safety agencies with critical funding to
contribute to meaningful and measurable improvements in public safety
communications interoperability through the full and efficient use of all
telecommunications resources. The program presents a unique opportunity
for communities to leverage innovative technologies and solutions. The
Department of Commerce is committed to improving communications
interoperability among our nation's first responders.

The State of New Mexico has been awarded $8,288,725.

In August, the States and Territories submitted applications for PSIC
funds, which included a brief narrative on the process for choosing
proposals for public safety organizations. By December 3, 2007, each State
and Territory must identify projects to be funded under the award, and
they must submit an Investment Justification (IJ) for those projects along
with the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan. Each IJ will
include up to 10 Investments (projects) that strongly align with the
goals. All public safety organization interested in PSIC funding will be
able to seek funding through their State Administrative Agency.

Funding will become available in early 2008, as NTIA approves each
Investment. All grant projects will be completed by September 30, 2010.

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The award once authorized will come to the NM Department of Homeland
Security which will administer that grant.   The distribution will be
$1,657,745 available to go to state agencies such as the Department of
Public Safety, Department of Health, DOIT and DHSEM for project planning.
The remaining balance will go to local jurisdictions.   Beyond the plan
that was submitted on December 3rd, the NM DHS is beginning the program
with creating an Interoperable Communications Architecture plan that will
include training and exercises.


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Richard Lowenberg
P.O.Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-989-9110,  505-603-5200 cell

1st-Mile Institute
New Mexico Broadband Initiative
www.1st-mile.com
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