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Public Safety First Responders to Receive Nearly $1 Billion In Communications Grants U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced on Wednesday, July 18, that $968 million in Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grants are available to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination during a natural or man~ made disaster. The PSIC grant program will assist public safety agencies in the acquisition, deployment, and training of interoperable communications systems to enhance interoperable communications of voice, data, and/or video signals. Public safety agencies in California are encouraged to apply. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is working with public safety agencies to improve emergency communications and to fill the gaps identified In Statewide Communications Interoperability Plans (SCIPs). To address these goals, states and territories must consider advanced technological solutions that enhance capabilities for responding to all hazards when selecting projects for PSIC funding. In particular, applicants should consider solutions that use the nation's airwaves efficiently, are cost-effective, and enhance communications in areas at high risk for natural disasters. These options should continue to improve interoperable communication efforts in high-threat urban and metropolitan areas. Grant-funded projects must be completed by the end offlscal year 2010. An application kit is available at www.ntia.doc.aov/psic/. Applications are due by Aug. 22, and grants will be awarded by Sept. 30. Local Program to Help Obtain Census Info Available Although the 2010 Census is still three years away, the U.S. Census Bureau has started mailing informational booklets to all state, local and tribal governments about the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program - a tool for governments to provide updated addresses for their communities. This joint and voluntary program between the Census Bureau and local governments is the official start of the 2010 Census. The Census Bureau estimates that there will be over 310 million people living in the 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico by 2010. In partnership with the Census Bureau, local govemments will use their area knowledge to improve the list of addresses for housing units and group quarters, including growth from new construction or annexation. After registering for LUCA between July 2007 and Jan. 2008. participating governments will receive materials and will have 120 days to review and improve the address list. The information contained in the address list is confidential by law, and those governments that choose to participate in the LUCA program will be provided an option to review the Census Bureau's address list. Like all census employees. those who review and update a confidential address list are subject to a jail term, a fine or both if they disclose any protected information. After LUCA, but prior to the 2010 Census questionnaire delivery, address listers will perform a field canvass across the country to make sure the latest address list is correct. Using global positioning system (GPS) mapping on hand-held computers, workers will be able to update information electronically while out In the field. 8A Page 10 4