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APCO SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF PSIC GRANT PROGRAM
May 4, 2009, Alexandria, Va. - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today released a position statement expressing its support for Representative Anh "Joseph" Cao's (R - La.) bill, H.R. 1819, to amend the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to extend the interoperable emergency communications grant program (IECGP) through fiscal year 2012. The IECGP provides a critical continuation to the initial Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) funding program, which holds the promise of providing $1 billion to state and local government to begin to substantially address the lack of operable or interoperable communications among our nation's first responders and public safety agencies.
APCO International believes grantees need the additional time provided by Congressman Cao's bill to, among other things, comply with state and local legal and procurement requirements. Additional time is also needed for projects that are expanding interoperable communications networks that require Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing. Finally, additional National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) requirements under consideration would increase the time needed to deploy new systems.
"APCO International strongly supports H.R. 1819 and will be working to gain co-sponsors and support for its immediate passage," APCO International President Chris Fischer said. "APCO International further looks forward to introduction and expedited consideration of a Senate companion bill to extend the PSIC grant program for an additional two years."
Visit http://apcointl.org/pdf/PSIC_Extension.pdf to view the full statement. About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. APCO International serves the professional needs of its 15,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.
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