Outreach News - 2/16/2011

1. For those who have been through the process of constructing communications towers, you know how complicated that regulatory issues can be for the builder. To comply with its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Communications Commission is conducting a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) of its Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) program. The purpose of the PEA is to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the Commission’s ASR program. Those persons having responsibility for tower construction will certain wish to be aware of this very important program.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES PUBLIC WORKSHOP FOR THE PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF ITS ANTENNA STRUCTURE REGISTRATION PROGRAM. (DA No. 11-300). (Dkt No 08-61 03-187 ). WTB . Contact: Aaron Goldschmidt at (202) 418-7146, email: Aaron.Goldschmidt@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-300A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-300A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-300A1.txt

2. Although the complete text of H.R. 607, which provides funding for broadband as well as the D Block reallocation to first responders, has not been published, it is noted that the legislation has picked up two new co-sponsors. This proposed legislation in the House of Representatives is critical for public safety and unfortunately, there is opposition to the bill from both sides of the aisle.

H.R.607
Latest Title: To enhance public safety by making more spectrum available to public safety agencies, to facilitate the development of a wireless public safety broadband network, to provide standards for the spectrum needs of public safety agencies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] (introduced 2/10/2011) Cosponsors (8)
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
________________________________________
COSPONSORS(8), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)
Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] - 2/14/2011
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] - 2/10/2011
Rep Grimm, Michael G. [NY-13] - 2/10/2011
Rep Long, Billy [MO-7] - 2/10/2011
Rep Miller, Candice S. [MI-10] - 2/10/2011
Rep Richardson, Laura [CA-37] - 2/14/2011
Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] - 2/10/2011
Rep Thompson, Bennie G. [MS-2] - 2/10/2011

Mission Critical Communications published an important article detailing some of the critical opposition to H.R. 607 (please see link). http://radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=6665

It cannot be stressed sufficiently that public safety officials, governmental leaders, and others with an interest in providing first responders with 21st Century communications tools must weigh in with their representatives in Congress on the legislation to support public safety broadband. This is non-partisan legislation paid by spectrum auction proceeds, not general taxes, that will support public safety and create thousands of long-term American jobs. Everyone’s help is needed!

3. The U.S. Senate held an important hearing today on Senate Bill 28 which provides funding for the nationwide public safety broadband network as well as reallocation of the D Block to first responders. Links to the testimony provided this morning can be found below. Our very great appreciation to the speakers who took time from their very busy schedules to support S.B. 28. Please note that if you click on the video link, there is a long lead time and you’ll probably want to manually advance the file.

If you have difficulty with any link for the testimony, please click on http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Hearings&ContentRecord_id=41bdc051-38ce-4db1-8319-322863e835bb#hearingParticipants
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Hearings&ContentRecord_id=41bdc051-38ce-4db1-8319-322863e835bb#archiveTab

Hearings
Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders
Feb 16 2011 10:00 AM
Russell Senate Office Building - 253
• Archived Webcast

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders.

Majority Statement
• Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Witness Panel 2
• The Honorable Raymond W. Kelly
Police Commissioner
City of New York

• The Honorable Jack A. Markell
Governor, State of Delaware
on behalf of the National Governors Association

• Mr. Al Gillespie
Chief, North Las Vegas Fire Department
First Vice President, International Association of Fire Chiefs

• Mr. Joe Hanna
President
Directions, Inc.