Rothman Announces Bill to Help Fund Emergency Radio Upgrades

Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) announced a bipartisan bill Monday to help towns pay for federally mandated emergency radio upgrades.

In 2004, the Federal Communications Commission mandated emergency responders upgrade radio equipment by 2013 in what’s known as the “Narrowband Mandate.” In a press conference at , Rothman called the requirement an “unfunded federal mandate,” and said money for the upgrades has largely been eliminated.

The Fair Lawn congressman worked with House Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) to introduce the Help Emergency Responders Operate Emergency Systems (HEROES) Act, which would create a $400 million grant program run by the Department of Homeland Security available to local governments for radio upgrade expenses. Funding for the grants would come from auctions of the federally owned spectrum, Rothman said.

“This is a legislative vehicle that will be saving local taxpayers $400 million so they don’t have to reach into their own pockets to meet an unfunded mandate,” Rothman said.

The congressman noted that he first learned of the issue through his regular meetings with local authorities in his district.

While some upgrades have already begun, Rothman said more than 64 percent of New Jersey communities have yet to start work to meet the mandate.

In Teaneck, the radio upgrade is about two thirds complete, said Fire Chief Anthony Verley. The town already budgeted approximately $675,000 over three years for the project.

Verley thanked Rothman for his leadership on the issue and said the township might be able to recoup money already spent if the bill passes.

“Washington is trying to do the right thing, but without funding it puts us in a very difficult position,” Verley said of the FCC mandate.

Police Chief Robert Wilson praised the bill and said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks highlighted the need for emergency responders to be able to communicate better during a crisis. Teaneck has worked to bridge communication gaps, including a link between police and the school district, Wilson noted.

Englewood Fire Chief Gerald Marion said his department was forced to divert money from firefighting gear to pay for the mandated radio upgrades.

“There is no natural disaster, no terrorist group that will take into account our budget constraints,” Marion said.  

The legislation would also provide funding for a national public safety broadband wireless network. Ten years after the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States remains without a national interoperable radio network.