Feds award first set of FirstNet grants
The federal government awarded the first grants for FirstNet on Wednesday.
The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has awarded $13.1 million in grants to Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, New York and Ohio under the State and Local Implementation Grant Program.
The awards will support state planning, consultation and outreach activities of these states as they prepare for the launch of the first nationwide public safety broadband network.
“The input of states, tribes, and local governments will be critical as FirstNet develops its plans for this historic network,” said Lawrence Strickling, assistant secretary of Commerce for Information and Communications and NTIA Administrator. “NTIA’s State and Local Implementation Grant Program will give states the resources they need to consult with FirstNet on deployment of a nationwide public safety broadband network.”
Of the $13.1 million in grants announced, $2.5 million is going to Colorado, $1.4 million will go to Connecticut, $724,613 will go to Delaware, $4.86 million to New York, and Ohio will receive $3.6 million. Others will be awarded on a rolling basis.
All 56 U.S. states and territories were eligible to apply for the grants and are required to provide a matching contribution of at least 20 percent. The funding will be awarded in two phases: First focused on activities such as expanding existing governance bodies and identifying public safety users. Phase two will focus on additional consultations with FirstNet and data collection activities.
