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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking applications for the fiscal year 2006 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). The program will award more than $32 million in equipment for first responders in selected rural and smaller communities typically not eligible for funding through the Department’s Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant program. The application period officially opened today and will close September 15, 2006.
“The only way to defeat terrorism in the United States is to make sure every community is prepared regardless of whether it lies in an urban or rural area,” said Congressman Berry. “The CEDAP program gives our rural first responders an opportunity to apply for the equipment and technology critical to improving emergency response and overall preparedness.”
CEDAP provides smaller communities and rural areas with technology and equipment, together with training and technical assistance, to help enhance first responder capabilities throughout the nation. CEDAP provides resources such as communications interoperability equipment, information sharing technology, chemical detection devices, sensors, personal protective equipment, and rescue tools and training in how to use the equipment, devices, and technology.
Eligible applicants include law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other emergency responders who demonstrate in their application that the equipment will be used to improve their ability and capacity to respond to a major critical incident or improve their ability to work with other first responders.
To submit an application, first responders should visit www.rkb.mipt.org/. Once submitted, the application undergoes several steps, including approval by the applicant’s respective State Administrative Agency (SAA), and a review board composed of subject matter experts. |
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