$5.7 Million to Local/County Agencies for Mutual Aid Radios

Wisconsin one-step closer to statewide interoperability goal

Almost $6 million in federal homeland security funds will soon be distributed to 425 emergency response agencies in 56 Wisconsin counties.  

Agencies eligible for a share of the funds include local and county law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, ambulance, and public health facilities.  David Spenner, State Interoperability Program Coordinator, described the funding strategy, "Our aim is to help a wide variety of emergency responders extend the reach of their communication systems beyond their usual geographic boundaries.  These funds will provide radios that can access common or shared mutual aid frequencies during an emergency."  

Fifty-eight counties have applied for this funding.  Awards will be announced by December 1, 2009.