Rep. Henry Cuellar announced today that, through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Texas will be eligible to receive $65,069,247 of the $968,385,000 that have been awarded to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination during a natural disaster or homeland security threat.

“This is great news for this part of the state. It will improve security and help keep our citizens safe.  Securing the safety of my constituents in an efficient manner is important to me,” said Congressman Cuellar, who is the Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response.

The Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grants will provide funding for first responders and emergency management coordinators to purchase communications systems. This will help emergency crews communicate via voice, data, and/or video signals. Within the next month, the State of Texas must submit an application of interest. The amount of money to be received by the state will be confirmed by September 30, 2007.

Once the amount of money that Texas will receive is confirmed, the state will have to justify how these dollars will be spent. A state-wide plan will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security outlining how the money will be distributed throughout Texas. Once the state-wide plan is approved, the money is expected to reach the state starting in March 2008.

Currently, first responders from different agencies use distinct communication tools that impede critical communication among firefighters, police and other emergency personnel during a disaster.

“One of my priorities is to make sure that our first responders are adequately equipped and that all agencies are able to communicate with each other during any type of emergency,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I thank Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez for working with state agencies and bringing these dollars to where they are mostly needed.”

PSIC funds were allocated using a formula that considers threats, vulnerabilities and consequences to determine risk. Grant funded projects must be completed by the end of Fiscal Year 2010.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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