GUIDE
Oregon, Washington & Idaho PSAP Funding Guide (2025): Grants for Communications Upgrades & Next Gen 911
How Emergency Communication Centers Can Secure Grants for Upgrades & Hardening
Public safety answering points (PSAPs) across the Pacific Northwest are under increasing pressure to strengthen resiliency, ensure continuity of operations, and protect against outages that could impact life-safety communications. While many agencies are progressing toward NG911, one of the most critical—and often underfunded—priorities remains backup connectivity and facility hardening.
This 2025 PSAP Funding Guide highlights federal and state grant programs that support communications redundancy, cybersecurity, backup systems, and infrastructure resilience—all areas where IP Access International actively supports PSAP operations.
Key Federal Grants for PSAP Technology & Resiliency Projects
Federal grants play a major role in helping PSAPs build redundant network paths, improve uptime, and ensure operations remain online during outages or disasters.
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
Commonly used for:
Backup and redundant network connectivity
Interoperability improvements
Cybersecurity and network protection
Continuity-of-operations enhancements
Learn more: FEMA HSGP Resources
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)
Ideal for physical and infrastructure hardening projects, including:
Backup power (generators, UPS)
Structural hardening for PSAP facilities
Protection against seismic, wind, and flood risks
Learn more:
National 911 Grant Program (NTIA / NHTSA)
Though primarily aimed at NG911 advancement, portions of the program can support supporting systems that complement PSAP operations and resiliency, such as:
Network improvements tied to operational continuity
GIS and data infrastructure strengthening
Supporting technologies needed to maintain call and data flow during disruptions
Learn more:
CISA / SAFECOM Emergency Communications Funding Database
A comprehensive directory of federal programs that can be used for:
Interoperability projects
Communications system resilience
Backup and mobile communications
Cybersecurity improvements
Explore funding lists:
State-Level Grant Programs: Oregon, Washington & Idaho
These state programs frequently support redundancy, resiliency, and infrastructure upgrades within PSAPs.
Oregon – State 9-1-1 Program & SHSP
Supports:
- Communications system resiliency
- Interoperability improvements
- Backup connectivity projects
Resources:
Washington – State 911 Coordination Office
Funds:
Cybersecurity for PSAP infrastructure
Network resiliency and backup communication systems
Equipment that supports continuity of operations
Resources:
Idaho – IPSCC Grant Program
Supports:
Backup communications infrastructure
GIS and data environment strengthening
Redundancy and resiliency projects
Resources:
Commonly Funded PSAP Projects
Many projects funded through these grants directly align with strengthening communications resilience—the area where IP Access supports PSAPs throughout the Northwest:
Backup and redundant network connectivity
Multi-path connectivity using blended LTE, LEO/GEO satellite, and private wireless links
Cybersecurity-supporting network architecture
Backup or mobile dispatch capabilities
Facility hardening and backup power systems
Interoperability enhancements
Continuity-of-operations (COOP) planning support
These projects help ensure that PSAPs maintain critical communication functions even during fiber cuts, carrier outages, cyber incidents, or natural disasters.
Tips for Building a Successful Grant Application
Increasing your chances of approval comes down to documentation, alignment, and readiness.
1. Coordinate Early With Emergency Management
Projects tied to county or regional resilience priorities are more likely to be funded.
2. Connect the Project to THIRA/SPR Gaps
Demonstrate how your resiliency or backup connectivity solution directly addresses known capability gaps.
3. Ensure All Equipment Meets FEMA AEL Requirements
This applies to routers, antennas, backup gear, network hardware, and other eligible items.
https://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list
4. Follow SAFECOM Grant Guidance
CISA requires specific language around interoperability and cybersecurity.
https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/funding
5. Prepare Technical Documentation Early
Gather:
Network diagrams
Hardware specifications
Quotes
Scope-of-work descriptions
Early preparation speeds approvals and reduces back-and-forth questions.
Final Thoughts
As PSAPs across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho continue strengthening their resilience, one need remains universal: reliable backup connectivity that keeps operations online when primary networks fail.
With the right federal and state funding strategy—and a multi-layered connectivity approach—agencies can significantly improve uptime, redundancy, and operational continuity in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to plan?
If your PSAP is planning resiliency upgrades or evaluating options for redundant, multi-layered connectivity, our team is here to help.
Reach out to discuss how backup LEO, GEO, LTE, and private wireless solutions can support continuity of operations at your center.