$20 Million in Public Safety Grants Awarded to Georgia

Chatham County Emergency Management Agency Press Release

Savannah, GA – April 9, 2008

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that $20 million will be released for Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grants for local first responders so to improve emergency communications and coordination during natural and man-made disasters.

The PSIC grant program will assist first responders in acquiring and deploying communication systems that are interoperable among all local response agencies. The grants will also provide training for local first responders in the usage of this improved communication system.

“These awards will assist our state’s first responders during critical moments when communications are essential to protecting the citizens of Georgia,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The PSIC grant will increase our ability to communicate effectively and save lives across the state.”

Georgia Emergency Management Agency requested the PSIC grant in December of 2007 and grants have been designated to Chatham County Information and Communications Services for distribution to Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn and Liberty counties and the city of Savannah to enhance the Southeast Georgia Regional Radio Network (SEGARRN); to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Coastal Network jurisdictions to expand SEGARNN; to Troup County for Troup and Harris counties and Columbus Consolidated Government to improve the West-Central Georgia Regional Radio System (WCGRRS); to Carroll County for upgrades to the Western Area Regional Radio System (WARRS); and to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office for Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties to improve the Northwest Georgia Interoperable Communications Network (NWGIC).

“It is critical for first responders from different jurisdictions and agencies to have the proper tools and equipment available when they respond to an incident,” said Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security Director Charley English. “The PSIC grant approval enhances our state’s communications capabilities.”