Regional Interoperable Communications Project

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and are 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY 2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Township of Weathersfield will use their FY 2010 Congressionally Selected Award to support their Regional Interoperable Communications Project. The purpose of the Regional Interoperable Communications Project is to improve public safety radio communications within the region. They are partnering with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, emergency management, public works, health department, and administrative agencies in order to coordinate effective communication between all the agencies.

The current radio communication system for the communities of the Village of McDonald, the City of Niles, and the Township of Weathersfield is 20-30 years old and needs replacing. The Regional Interoperable Communications Project will establish dedicated radio channels with procedures that are accessible for their communication systems used by key public service officials, public safety officials, and public/private service executives.

The project will consist of two phases: (1) part of the project will replace the communication radio communication system with a new repeater station. The new station will receive weak signals and widen transmission coverage. The station will extend the effective communication range of low-powered handheld and mobile radios and will be supported by a back-up generator to ensure that the radio system remains in operation in the event of a power outage. (2) Part of the project will replace and upgrade handheld and mobile communications equipment.

NCA/NCF