Assn. of Public Safety Communications Officials International (AP...

upgrades. Foundation will accept “private, corporate and public donations on behalf of the public safety community” and distribute those funds to provide grants and technical support to PSAPs, APCO said in White Paper released Mon. “While $25 million is not nearly enough money to fund all PSAPs in the United States, it is a significant beginning and APCO is hopeful that other donations will come forward,” group said. In its original waiver request to FCC on Phase 2 E911 implementation, Nextel proposed contributing up to $25 million over 2 years to help public safety community finance upgrades. Outline of APCO plans to seek broader funding sources for new foundation came after National Emergency Number Assn. (NENA) in Feb. questioned whether Nextel donation would hamper independence of public safety groups. Grant of money directly to NENA or APCO would “call into question” independence of each group’s representation before FCC, NENA said at time. APCO said its directors would serve as board for new foundation and Foundation Advisory Committee would be created to oversee its operation. Committee will establish eligibility rules and procedures for grant program and will oversee technical support and education outreach, it said. APCO extended invitations to representatives of NENA, National Assn. of Counties, International Assn. of Chiefs of Police, International Assn. of Fire Chiefs, National League of Cities, National Governors’ Assn. and National Sheriffs’ Assn. to participate on committee. APCO said it planned to announce advisory committee membership by end of month.