[FLARES] Funds Available to Help Replace Storm-Damaged EmComm Systems

[wa4aw at juno.com]

"Ham Aid" Funds Available to Help Replace Storm-Damaged EmComm Systems
(Nov 17, 2005) -- 

Thanks to a Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) grant
extension, limited ARRL "Ham Aid" funds are available to help cover the
cost of replacing hurricane-damaged Amateur Radio emergency
communication systems. This assistance applies to ARES group or
club-owned open-access repeaters, critical Amateur Radio infrastructure
or other essential communication backbone equipment damaged by
hurricanes Katrina, Rita or Wilma. The goal is to restore critical
Amateur Radio emergency communication systems in hurricane-prone areas
and especially in cases where equipment damage has compromised Amateur
Radio's disaster-response capability. Funds will be dispersed on a
first-come, first-served basis, and interested groups or organizations
should be prepared to document the loss and provide a replacement
budget. Contact ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH;
860-594-0397 for complete application details and requirements. Hobart
says Ham Aid funds also remain available to cover limited out-of-pocket
expenses for Amateur Radio volunteers who deployed to the field during
hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Application guidelines are on the
ARRL Web site. Time is of the essence! The CNCS grant extension expires
December 31, 2005!