Georgia Receives $20 Million in Public Safety Grants
Awards will enhance Public Safety Interoperable Communications

ATLANTA (April 15, 2008) – Today Governor Sonny Perdue announced the release of $20 million in Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These awards will help state and local first responders improve emergency communications and coordination during a natural or man-made disaster.

   "These awards will assist our state's first responders during critical moments when communications are essential to protecting the citizens of Georgia," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "The PSIC grant will increase our ability to communicate effectively and save lives across the state."

   The PSIC grant program is designed to assist public safety agencies in the acquisition, deployment, or training in the use of interoperable communications systems for emergency responders.

   These awards were made pursuant to a request from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) in December 2007. The awards were allocated to Chatham County Information and Communications Services for distribution to Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn and Liberty counties and the city of Savannah to enhance the Southeast Georgia Regional Radio Network (SEGARRN); to the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office and Coastal Network jurisdictions to expand SEGARNN; to Troup County for Troup and Harris counties and Columbus Consolidated Government to improve the West-Central Georgia Regional Radio System (WCGRRS); to Carroll County for upgrades to the Western Area Regional Radio System (WARRS); and to the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office for Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties to improve the Northwest Georgia Interoperable Communications Network (NWGIC).

   "It is critical for first responders from different jurisdictions and agencies to have the proper tools and equipment available when they respond to an incident," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security Director Charley English. "The PSIC grant approval enhances our state's communications capabilities."

   Each public safety agency receiving PSIC funds is required to meet and document a 20 percent statutory match requirement for each project during the period of performance of the grant.