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Disaster council highlights large federal and regional grants for interoperable public-safety communications
Summary
Council members were briefed on a $6 million COPS technology opportunity and a new $1 billion Department of Commerce Public Safety Interoperable Communications program, both aimed at improving voice and data interoperability across the Bay Area.
The San Francisco Disaster Council on Monday heard updates on two major funding opportunities for interoperable communications that officials say could boost public-safety and transportation coordination across the Bay Area.
Speaker 1 announced a $6,000,000 COPS technology grant opportunity that would fund interoperable voice and data systems in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions. The chair said the deadline is at the end of the month and encouraged members to contact staff for detailed information.
The council also discussed a new Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce. "This is a $1,000,000,000 grant program that's new and is a result of the digital television transition," Speaker 1 said, adding that auction proceeds are the funding source and that about $1 billion will be allocated toward interoperable communications.
Council materials indicate a broad regional approach: Speaker 1 said the projects would involve partners on both the east and west sides of the Bay and build toward "seamless voice and data interoperable communications for all of public safety and transportation on the East and West Side of the Bay." The chair also noted San Francisco submitted roughly $102,000,000 in investment justifications across various projects and that recommendations from working groups will be considered by an advisory group on July 18 and by the approval authority on July 20.
Why it matters: Officials said the grants would support cross-jurisdictional systems that aim to improve situational awareness and coordination during incidents that cross city and county boundaries. Staff encouraged departments to engage with working groups and prepare materials for the upcoming review and allocation meetings.
Next steps: Staff said the advisory group will review project prioritization in mid-July; the approval authority is scheduled to vote on allocations July 20, and city representatives expect to receive more specific funding information in mid-July.
