The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) within the Department of Commerce https://www.ntia.doc.gov on March 1, 2018, announced the first award recipients for the “State and Local Implementation Grant Program” (SLIGP) 2.0. The grant funding will enable public safety entities and personnel across the U.S to work with First Net operating as a public safety nationwide wireless broadband network.
NTIA established the grant program to assist states and territories with planning for FirstNet. SLIGP 2.0 grants were awarded to twelve states with the average funding amount in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. However, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency received $407,102 and the Pennsylvania State Police received $425,000.
Under the original program, NTIA awarded $116.5 million in grants to 54 states and territories between July 2013 and June 2014. The funding was used to consult with FirstNet and perform outreach to public safety stakeholders. The original grants expired on February 28, 2018 with many recipients spending less than expected and therefore leaving leftover funds.
As a result, NTIA reallocated these funds to SLIGP 2.0. This funding will enable funds to be used for a broader range of planning activities. These funds will assist state, local, and tribal governments in developing data sharing agreements, help with the transition of public safety applications to the national public safety broadband network, analyze coverage gaps, and initiate stakeholder meetings at FirstNet’s request.
For more information, email Michael Dame at mdame@ntia.doc.gov.