[Scan-DC] GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR INTEROPERABILITY PROJECTS

[Alan Henney]

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA 
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Governor                                               October 20, 2009

Contact:                 Gordon Hickey                                Constance McGeorge
Internet:                www.governor.virginia.gov                 www.commonwealthpreparedness.virginia.gov

GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR INTEROPERABILITY PROJECTS

~ $5.16 million in grant funds allocated to localities ~

RICHMOND — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia has allocated $5.16 million in State Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funds to interoperability projects in jurisdictions across the Commonwealth. $300,000 will be used to fund critically needed exercises at the local and state levels, and the remaining $4.86 million used to fund projects selected by the State Interoperability Executive Committee as most needed and cost effective.

            “It's critical that police, firefighters and emergency workers are able to communicate with each other during emergencies,” Governor Kaine said. “These funds will help first responders acquire the interoperability they need to prevent, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and natural disasters that may impact the Commonwealth.” 

 

Interoperability is the ability of emergency responders, using different communications systems, to speak to one another and share information during emergencies and disasters. 

Funded projects include: 

New Kent, Charles City, Powhatan, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield Counties and City of Richmond – Complete phase two of the RAMIS microwave network
 $1,730,000
 
Stafford County – COMLINC Project for all of Region 2
 $1,455,000
 
Green, Orange and Madison Counties – Regional communications system, antenna relocation, equipment and interoperable channels
 $ 693,214
 
City of Bristol – Multi-switcher Unit
 $23,471
 
Fauquier & Prince William Counties – P25 software upgrades to existing radios
 $ 882,130
 
Isle of Wight – Telecommunications tower with radio equipment
 $51,000
 
City of Lexington – Replace first responder radios
 $25,185