September 12, 2008
PATERSON-- U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today announced that the House Committee on Appropriations approved $300,000 for Wayne Township to improve its emergency communications capabilities.
The funding will allow Wayne Township to replace its current twenty-five year old radio system with new interoperable radio and communications system. The funding was included as a line item by Pascrell in the Justice Department’s annual Congressional funding bill.
“As hurricanes bombard the Gulf Coast we are reminded of our own local emergency response to wet weather incidents,” stated Pascrell. “In a town like Wayne that depends heavily on its first responders during frequent flood events, it is critical that police and firefighters be equipped with the best communications equipment available. “I am pleased that Wayne Township has made this commitment to further protect the emergency responders we depend on to protect us.”
Motivated by the September 11th Commission's evidence that "compatible and adequate communications among public safety organizations at the local, state and federal levels remains an important problem," Pascrell, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, has prioritized improving Passaic County's interoperable network.
“Improving the way we equip our first responders is one of the most important lessons learned from the horrific September 11th attacks seven years ago,” stated Pascrell. “Congress has acted on the advice of the 9/11 Commission and made a concerted effort with state and local law enforcement to upgrade the basic technology that first responders rely on everyday to do their jobs.
Just this year, Pascrell has secured over $950,000 to improve interoperable technology in Passaic County. Having helped to create the Department of Homeland Security’s new Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP), Pascrell also lauded the $1.4 million in federal funding announced today for New Jersey. The program is designed to help states plan and train to respond to natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
“I am pleased that New Jersey is directly benefiting from our work in Congress to expand funding for emergency communications. Congress has had a great deal of success creating new funding and incredible participation from local first responders eager to upgrade their communications technology,” Pascrell concluded.
