The U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Commerce recently awarded more than $109 million in grants through the 911 Grant Program to 34 states and two tribal nations.
Funding will be used to upgrade 911 call centers to Next Generation 911 capabilities. Upgrades include the implementation of advanced mapping systems that make it easier to identify a 911 caller’s location and providing digital and IP network capabilities. Funding also can be used for training costs directly related to the upgrade.
The next-generation system will allow 911 call centers to avoid call overload and to transfer calls, messages, and data between public safety answering points that are interconnected to the IP network.
“Advances in public safety technology will allow critical information to flow seamlessly from the public, through the 911 networks and on to first responders,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said. “These 911 grant awards are a significant step toward a faster, more resilient emergency system.”
Grants ranged from $13,191, awarded to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and $11.4 million, awarded to California.
To qualify for a grant, governments needed to submit a state or tribal 911 plan and projected budget, certify that funds designated for 911 systems had not been used for other purposes in the past 180 days and designate a 911 coordinator.