Emergency management officials in 30 western Wisconsin counties will soon be able to communicate simultaneously during an emergency through a $470,000 homeland security grant. The funding will be used to expand the West Central Interoperability Alliance’s (WCIA) Radio over IP network to 12 additional county dispatch and emergency operation centers.

“The ability of our emergency responders to communicate during a disaster is one of the most critical components of an effective and safe emergency response,” said OJA Executive Director David Steingraber. “This grant will bring innovative Radio over IP technology to more than one-third of the state’s counties, greatly enhancing local emergency communications.”

Funding Announcements

Homeland Security - CERT (2006) Phase II The FY 2006 HS CERT program funds are available to Train-the-Trainer and/or educate citizens about disaster preparedness and basic disaster responsels. The application deadline has been extended to August 28, 2008.

Homeland Security - UASI Citizen/Volunteer Preparedness (2007) Funds are available to eligible UASI-designated counties to encourage community participation in domestic preparedness through public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service. The application deadline has been extended to August 28, 2008.

Homeland Security - Mutual Aid Radio Replacement-Round 4 Funding is now available for agencies that had previously applied for, and did not receive, homeland security funds to replace or upgrade emergency responder radios. County EM Directors must apply through Egrants on or before September 4, 2008.

Homeland Security - Regional LE Specialty Teams Training 2007 Application Deadline has been extended to September 19. Training funds may be used by regional SWAT teams and the City of La Crosse PD Canine Explosives Detection Unit. Apply through Egrants.

Homeland Security - CERT Train the Trainer Funding Grants are now available for train-the-trainer activities for Community Emergency Response Training (CERT). Apply through Egrants on or before September 30, 2008.

Homeland Security - NIMS and ICS Training Funding is now available for National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) training. Apply through Egrants before October 30, 2008.

Homeland Security - WIJIS Justice Gateway Implementation Funds are now available for local law enforcement agencies to share information through the Wisconsin Justice Gateway. Apply through Egrants on or before December 31, 2008.