First responder network ponders cash conundrum

A new federal government project to bring first responders’ communications into the digital age is grappling with a key question: Who’s going to pay for it?

Congress last year authorized plans for the wireless network, known as FirstNet, in a bid to remedy the communications breakdowns that plagued police officers and firefighters after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and during the Hurricane Katrina recovery. But the program’s funding of $7 billion fell far below what some said is needed to ensure it covers most of the country. That’s left lingering doubts about FirstNet’s budget -- and who’s on the hook for any shortfalls -- especially among cash-strapped cities and states. The cost concerns appear likely to surface Nov 21 when the FirstNet board’s leader, Sam Ginn, treks to Capitol Hill for a House hearing expected to cover everything from the network’s development to a board member’s conflict-of-interest accusations.