DHS allocates $25.5M for border communications
DHS recently announced that it would spend $25.5 million on additional security measures along the border; the money will be allocated to states as part of the Border Interoperability Demonstration Project (BIDP) which is designed as a one-time competitive grant program to develop innovative solutions that improve emergency communications for first responders and law enforcement agents; seven states including California, Maine, and Texas will receive grants
DHS recently announced that it would spend $25.5 million on additional security measures along the border.
The money will be allocated to states as part of the Border Interoperability Demonstration Project (BIDP) which is designed as a one-time competitive grant program to develop innovative solutions that improve emergency communications forfirst responders and law enforcement agents.
In announcing the grants, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said, “The projects funded through the BIDP strengthen the security of our northern and southern borders, and our nation’s overall preparedness and emergency response capabilities.”
Seven states including California, Maine, and Texas will receive grants.
Under the program Michigan and Maine will receive $4 million dollars each to enhance communication along the U.S.-Canada border.
In Maine the money will go towards the purchase of six new radio towers to expand coverage in rural areas and minimize communication blind spots. The state’s homeland security office will also purchase more than 300 mobile radios for first responders.
Meanwhile in Michigan, the money will be spent on improving communication infrastructure in southeast Michigan and Sault Sainte Marie that will enhance interoperability between local law enforcement agencies as well as Canadian authorities.
Other projects include Arizona’s Full Voice and Data Integration Demonstration with an estimated cost of $4 million and Ohio’s Multi-Agency, Multi-Jurisdictional U.S. Regional & International Interoperable Communications Infrastructure and Maritime Domain Awareness program.
