Federal Funding for Public Safety

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) breathes new life into existing Public Safety funding programs while creating new programs that will benefit Public Safety agencies. The following is a summary of opportunities created through ARRA.

Near Term (Urgent or Past)

Department of Justice/Office of Justice Programs/Bureau of Justice Assistance: Agencies must act quickly to take advantage of the funds available to local cities and counties through the Department of Justice programs. These funds can also be used to obtain technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, information systems, and public safety software. Available grants include:

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - $2 Billion Deadline May 18, 2009

Click here to view State and Local grant allocations .

Applicants must have or acquire a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) Number and must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) registrant database.

Open Solicitations: Click here for the latest information on DOJ/OJP/BJA funding programs.

Midterm

Additional funding will be available this summer and fall through Federal programs funded by the ARRA, including:

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) - $497 Million in AFG grants plus another $210 Million for firehouse construction. FEMA to issue guidance on ARRA grants this summer (June/July)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS is funding several public safety enhancement programs through FEMA:

Emergency Management Performance Grants
Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) - 4 different kinds
State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)
Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
Citizen Corps Program (CCP)
State Homeland Security Program -Tribal (SHSP Tribal)
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG)

Together, these grants may fund a wide range of preparedness activities including planning, organization, equipment purchase, training, exercises and management and administration costs.

Enhanced 9-1-1 Act Appropriation: In October of 2008 Congress appropriated $43.5 Million in funding through the Enhanced 9-1-1 Act of 2004. The funds will be distributed to States for re-allocation. Agencies should contact their State Administrative Agency for details on access to these funds.

Long Term

Broadband Technologies Initiatives: A total of $7.2 Billion dollars to develop and enhance broadband access and technology across the U.S. ARRA specifically mentions that the development of this technology should include enhancements to Public Safety. The funding will be managed by NTIA ($4.7 Billion) USDA Rural Utilities Service ($2.7 Billion) and the FCC.

Rural Community Facilities Program Grant - USDA: Over $1.2 Billion in grants and loans to build and enhance buildings that serve the public, including fire, jail, police, and rescue.

Rural Expansion of 9-1-1 Access – USDA Rural Utilities Services Loans: Expands eligibility to various entities for facilities and equipment to expand or improve 9-1-1 access, interoperable emergency communications, homeland security communications, and transportation safety communication and location technologies in rural areas.

State Fiscal Stabilization Fund: Over $53 Billion to states that must apply 82 percent of the funds to education but have discretion on the balance (over $9 Billion) to use on other government projects. ARRA specifically mentions Public Safety as another government project that could be funded by this money.