NHTSA Issues E-911 Grant Program Proposed Rulemaking

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Department of Transportation (DOT) has provided a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in the Federal Register.  

This joint notice proposes implementing regulations for the E–911 grant program authorized under the Ensuring Needed Help Arrives Near Callers Employing 911 ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–494, codified at 47 U.S.C. 942). The Act authorizes grants for the implementation and operation of Phase II enhanced 911 services and for migration to an Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled emergency network. This NPRM proposes the application, award and administrative requirements for the E–911 grant program and seeks comments thereon.  Comments must be received by DOT by December 2, 2008.  Those wishing to comment can view the relevant submission information, as well as the full rule at http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-23266_PI.pdf .

While the Act authorizes a five-year grant program totaling $1.25 billion ($250 million per year), the amount appropriated, on a one-time basis, is only $43.5 million. Due to this limited funding, the ENHANCE 911 Act requires that grant applications be completed at the state level to minimize administrative costs and streamline the process.  Additionally, a requirement for receiving grant funding is an assurance that any current E-911 charges collected by the state (e.g., cell phone taxes) will not be diverted to other causes. Only state governments are capable of providing this information. 

States would have to ensure that 90 percent of the grant funds will be used for the direct benefit of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), and give priority to communities without 911 capabilities. Additionally, a state would have to provide details on how it intends to employ technology to achieve compliance with the Phase II E-911 services and/or how it intends to migrate to an IP-enabled emergency network.  Phase II E-911 service refers to providing PSAPs with the location of all 911 calls by latitude and longitude within 50 to 300 meters. Grant awards are based on population and public road mileage, with a minimum award of $500,000.

For more information, contact the IAFF Department of Fire & EMS Operations or Drew Dawson, Director, NHTSA Office of Emergency Medical Services, at (202) 366-9966.