RFSTUF

PSIC grant change regarding 700MHz For those who are involved in statewide planning the following information will have an impact on plans to use the PSIC funding. The 700 MHZ requirement in PSIC grant funds has been removed as a result of a bill passed today which has the following provisions: Section 1481(a) of the Senate bill generally amends Section 3006 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171) (DRA) by deleting statutory language that currently limits funding to systems that either use, or interoperate with systems that use, public safety spectrum in the 700 megahertz band (specifically, 764-776 megahertz and 794-806 megahertz), and inserting new subsections providing Congressional direction with respect to eligible activities under NTIA's administration of the $1 billion public safety grant program. New 3006(a) of the DRA establishes the scope of the permissible grants under the program and permits NTIA to allocate up to $100 million for the establishment of strategic technology reserves that will provide communications capability and equipment for first responders and other emergency personnel in the event of an emergency or a major disaster. In addition to strategic technology reserves, this subsection describes a broad range of topics related to improving communications interoperability that will be eligible for assistance under the grant program including, Statewide or regional planning and coordination, design and engineering support, technical assistance and training, and the acquisition or deployment of interoperable communications equipment, software, or systems. Page 297 – Interop Grant Program 398 – Changes to Deficit Reduction Act. Marilyn Ward, Executive Director NPSTC.org