DeLauro Announces North Branford to Receive $500,000 to Improve Emergency Communications

North Branford, CT – During a visit to North Branford Police Headquarters to meet with members of the town's Police and Fire Departments, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3), joined by North Branford Town Manager Richard Branigan and Police Chief Matthew Canelli, announced that North Branford will receive $500,000 in federal funding for the purchase and installation of a public safety radio communications simulcast system, which will greatly enhance dispatching capabilities and eliminate several "dead zones" throughout the town. The funds for the emergency simulcast system were included in the fiscal year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

While at Police Headquarters, DeLauro made the following comments:

"This is about North Branford's public safety and the cutting-edge investments we can make to ensure North Branford's long-term growth and its residents' well-being.

"I was proud to help secure $500,000 in federal funds – from the 2009 Appropriations Bill signed into law by President Obama to help North Branford purchase and install its new public safety radio communications simulcast system. Tilcon Mountain and other scenic hills and dales are part of what make North Branford so special, but they have also created treacherous "dead zones" in your communications system – something no first responder should have to confront while carrying out his or her duties.

"By enhancing North Branford's dispatching tools and its ability to communicate with other towns when they need to respond jointly – we are making a direct investment in North Branford's public safety – the kind that will have a clear and positive ripple affect across the region.

"Since 9/11 we have seen just how important it is to have functioning emergency communications systems – from cities as big as New York to towns as small as North Branford. We simply cannot allow obsolete systems to put emergency personnel in danger when it counts.

"Meeting our obligation to local first responders is among the most important responsibilities the Federal government has. As a Member of Congress I see my role as a partner and an advocate in the effort to help get you the resources you need when you need them.

"And that has never been more important than it is today. With our economy in crisis, state and local budgets have been stretched dangerously thin. The state is already facing a $1.2 billion shortfall.

"I know that means you are being asked to do more with less. I will continue fighting to ensure you get the resources to do your job. Earlier this month, I announced that North Branford will be receiving $16,402 in recovery funding from the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which allows states and local governments to support activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system. Remember that you have to apply to the Department of Justice for these funds.

"There will be other opportunities for still more resources, so keep checking recovery.gov and be in touch with my office to stay informed on the latest.

"We are also going to continue investing in our communities. The same legtislation that included funds for North Branford's new communication system, includes $550 million for the COPS program to put more officers on streets across the nation and $415 million to prevent and prosecute violence against women.

"And for Connecticut, we secured vital resources for Department of Public Safety's Automated Fingerprint Identification System, and UCONN Health Center's intervention programming for traumatized Youths… just to name a few.

"All of these investments come together as part of something bigger: a recognition that your mission continues to evolve. We have a responsibility to give you tools to stay ahead of that change.

"Let me turn things over to our Chiefs, but again let me just take this opportunity to thank all of you – for the dedication you have shown in protecting our North Branford day-in and day-out. For keeping us safe.

"Yours is never an easy job, but you serve the people of our North Branford with honor and distinction every day and for that, we are grateful."