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<br />8A <br />Page 5 <br /> <br />accelerate broadband deployment in unserved. underserved, and rural areas and to strategic <br />institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits. <br /> <br />At the fall meeting of the National League of Cities' Information Technology and Communications <br />Committee, FCC requested input from local officials on questions such as: <br />1. How can broadband increase the efficiency of government? <br />2. How can we create a clearinghouse of best practices to show what works? <br />3. How can we foster creation of a broadband policy for government services? <br />4. How can we foster creation of a broadband policy to help us increase civic engagement? <br /> <br />For more information on the FCC initiative or to provide comments to the agency, please visit <br />www.broadband.qov. <br /> <br />The FCC is also seeking comment on the development of a national clearinghouse on broadband <br />data and best practices as part of the larger broadband strategy. Comment information can be <br />found at http://hraunfoss.fcc.aov/edocs oublic/attachmatch/DA-09-2167 A 1.odf. <br /> <br />The deadline for comments is Nov. 16. Local officials are encouraged to send a copy of their <br />comments to League Legislative Representative Jennifer Whiting at iwhitina((Ucacities.ora. <br /> <br />SAFER Application Period Begins Nov. 16 <br />Applications Due by Dec. 18 <br /> <br />The US Department of Homeland Security announced this week that it will begin accepting <br />applications on Nov. 16 for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. <br />Dec. 18 is the application deadline for the $210 million in SAFER funds. A second application <br />period will open in early 2010 for the $420 million appropriated for the federal fiscal year 2010. <br /> <br />Applications are available on the Assistance to Firefighters Web site at <br />www.fireqrantsuPPort.com . <br /> <br />New SAFER Grant Rules <br /> <br />It's important for city officials to know that the rules governing the use of SAFER grants funds <br />have changed. SAFER grants are available to rehire laid off fire fighters as well as restore <br />positions that had been left empty due to the effects that economic crisis has had on public safety <br />staffing. Changes under the new law do not affect existing SAFER grants and changes are not <br />retroactive. <br /> <br />Cities that have fire departments with reduced emergency response capabilities or who are facing <br />a reduction in such staffing are urged to apply for SAFER grants. The application must be <br />submitted by city management but local International Association of Fire Fighters members are <br />available to assist with the application process. <br /> <br />5 <br />