WASHINGTON- This week the Conference Committee, made up of Members of both the House and Senate, reported the final version of the FY06 Science, State, Commerce, and Justice appropriations bill. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) worked with the conferees to secure $1.4 million for technology projects that will benefit first responder communications. The bill passed today on a 397-19 vote.

“It is essential that our first responders have adequate, updated equipment in order to keep our communities safe,” Stupak said. “I’m happy these funds to improve first responder communications systems were secured for the first district. I will continue my push to make full funding for national interoperability a priority in Congress.”

Below is the list of projects Stupak secured in the Science, State, Commerce and Justice Appropriation bill for 1^st Congressional District. This is the final amount appropriated by Congress for these projects for Fiscal Year 2006. The bill must now go to the President for his signature.

List of 1^st Congressional District Projects

Charlevoix-Cheboygan-Emmett 911 Emergency Dispatch - $200,000

Chippewa County Sheriff Interoperability Upgrade - $200,000

Upper Peninsula Interoperable Communications Consortium - $750,000           

Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) Conversion Project - $250,000                         

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