The First Responder Network Authority has awarded grants worth $26.8 million to eight public safety entities under a program to provide financial assistance for relocating existing radios and systems.FirstNet said Thursday it will provide funds from the Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Grant Program to organizations that have relocated from Band 14 prior to deployment and operation of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.
“Public safety’s needs are our top priority, and we are pleased to be working hand-in-hand with these Band 14 public safety incumbents,†said Mike Poth, FirstNet CEO.
The eight awardees to receive funds include:
- Illinois Emergency Management Agency
- Virginia State Police
- Arkansas State Police
- Massachusetts State Police
- Defense Department in Honolulu County
- Marshall Fire Department in Michigan
- Stamford Fire Department in Connecticut
- Post Falls Police Department Idaho
Awardees will have one year to finish their respective project plans and relocate existing radios and systems under the Band 14 program.
FirstNet will also begin to track the progress of the grantees’ efforts to reprogram, return and reconfigure equipment and offer assistance to meet the clearing goals within the allotted time.
