US in $1 Billion Disaster Spend

August 19, 2006: While the City of Sydney recommends a ‘Go-Bag’ to prepare in case of a disaster, the Commerce Department in the United States has announced a US$968 million spend on disaster technology.

The grant from Washington will assist both state and local public safety agencies purchase the necessary radio equipment and technologies for use in an emergency.

Interoperability is the key, with the program designed to equip emergency agencies in all states with dependable infrastructure. The eligible technology includes broadband video applications, voice or radio Internet protocols, mobile public safety networks, satellite communication systems as well as relevant software and services.

The public-safety infrastructure will fill a void in disaster communication technologies that was highlighted during Hurricane Katrina. The Bush Administration has previously been criticised for its lack of communications interoperability since September 11.

California looks set to primarily benefit from the scheme with the state collecting $232 million of the fund, while New York will take $184 million and Florida, $100 million. The rest of the pool will be distributed between the remaining 47 states as well as other US territories.

The Associated Press says the Commerce Department is attempting to repair post-9/11 radio and communications problems still prevalent six years after the terrorist attacks.

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