Title of Project: Interoperable Communications Project

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The City of White Settlement will utilize the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected award to procure subscriber 700/800 MHZ radios to be P25 compliant. The city has grown tremendously and is in need of radio equipment in order to communicate with other law enforcement disciplines.

Communication between these agencies has not been possible in the past. The city needs to meet the requirements of the Radio Interoperable Plan for both the state and federal levels. The P25 compliant system could help surrounding cities in emergencies or natural disasters to communicate with other county agencies or the City of Fort Worth. In a threat to national security, these cities could communicate with the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base or the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Plant. At some point, all the surrounding agencies could communicate with each other to help move troops or deploy local troops in a national security situation. A network of interoperable radio systems is a vital component to a swift, coordinated disaster response strategy. Grant funds will cover the cost of the radios and accompanying accessories.

NCA/NCF