Press Release

06/25/2007 GAAS:507:07 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Text of Letter from Gov. Schwarzenegger to Federal Government on Public Safety Communications Network

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today sent the following letter to Secretary Chertoff, Secretary Gutierrez and Chairman Martin urging them to immediately convene a process that will involve states, local governments, federal agencies, first responders and the private sector to address issues surrounding the design and implementation of a nationally interoperable public safety communications network.

June 25, 2007

The Honorable Michael Chertoff
Secretary of Homeland Security
245 Murray Lane, SW
Washington, DC 20528-0300

The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez
Secretary of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue
Washington, DC 20230

The Honorable Kevin J. Martin
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20528

Dear Secretary Chertoff, Secretary Gutierrez and Chairman Martin,

In order to carry out their critical responsibilities, our public safety agencies must be able to communicate with each other and share information, especially during emergencies. A nationally interoperable public safety communications network is therefore a crucial element to the continued effectiveness of our first responders and to the safety and security of our citizens.

The federal government must take a leadership role in the development of this national network. I urge you to immediately convene a process that will involve states, local governments, federal agencies, first responders and the private sector in addressing the issues surrounding the design and implementation of this national network. For example, the network must ensure the capability of public safety entities to use both voice and advanced data services. It must also provide first responders in rural and urban areas with the advanced technology necessary to protect the public.

Building an interoperable network meeting these requirements will cost at least $4 billion in California alone. An investment of this size, and for a purpose as critical as public safety, must include federal resources and be guided by sound federal policy if we are to meet the communications needs of California’s, and our nation’s, first responders.

One of the most pressing questions requiring federal guidance is the need for additional spectrum by public safety agencies. As the FCC moves closer to auctioning the spectrum becoming available through the migration to digital television, a unique opportunity now exists for the federal government to address how much spectrum is needed by public safety agencies. There should also be a discussion of the role spectrum allocation and the proceeds of the spectrum auction should play in financing the construction and maintenance of a nationally interoperable public safety communications network. The federal government must step forward to resolve these issues as soon as possible.

I appreciate your continuing commitment to provide our nation’s first responders with the communications systems they need to protect public safety. I stand ready to work with you to address these important issues.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger


cc: The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
Members of the California Congressional Delegation