The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutIR 0722INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 23-0722 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 6, 2023 Page 1 of 3 SUBJECT: Tarrant County 911 District Reallocation of Funding from the FY23 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and Radio Interoperability Assistance Programs to support the Next Gen 911 implementation and the acquisition of a new headquarters The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an update on the Tarrant County 911 District Board of Managers decision to utilize funds formerly set aside for PSAP and Radio Interoperability Assistance Programs and dedicate them to cover two important items: Next Gen 911 and acquiring property due to eminent domain proceedings. Next Generation 911 (NG-911 NG-911 is a digital, internet protocol (IP)-based system that will replace the analog 911 infrastructure that has been in place for decades, has reached end -of -life, and no longer able to keep up with communications technology. In late 2016 the Federal Communications Commission began working with the National Association of State 911 Administrators Association to officially start the Next Generation 911 (NG-911) migration process. In 2017, Texas 911 Regional Planning Commissions, Districts, and Municipal Emergency Communications Districts began preparations for NG-911. TX HB2911 (2021) established a target date of September 1, 2025 for all parts of the State to be covered by NG-911 service. The map below shows jurisdictions that have implemented NG-911 ahead of the established target date. Note that areas in gray, including the Tarrant County 911 District, have not implemented NG-911 technology. AT&T ESInet— Live Implementing Now Other NGCS Provider No Decision Made ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 23-0722 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 6, 2023 Page 2 of 3 SUBJECT: Tarrant County 911 District Reallocation of Funding from the FY23 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and Radio Interoperability Assistance Programs to support the Next Gen 911 implementation and the acquisition of a new headquarters Benefits of NG-911 • Helps 911 more accurately locate a caller • Helps ensure calls are routed to the right 91 Center the first time • Enables call transfers and data sharing across jurisdiction and county lines • Creates a robust and redundant 911 call handling system • Allows for different media types (text, pictures, videos) to flow from callers to emergency responders Improves scene and responder safety and provides real-time updates on evolving situations Improved customer service Cost to Fund NG-911 and Strateav — Dedicate assistance funds to NG-911 The estimated cost is $30 million. In an effort to prepare for this implementation, the Tarrant County 911 District received a grant for $12 million, leaving a gap of $18 million. Tarrant County 911 has historically provided $3 million in assistance grants to the 34 PSAP's located in Tarrant County using the PSAP and Radio Interoperability assistance funds. In FY22, City of Fort Worth received Tarrant County 911 District program funding totaling $995,000. Eliminating the two assistance programs will help dedicate funding required for the NG-911 implementation, within the timeline set aside by the state. Due to NG-911 providing direct benefits to PSAP's (ability to help manage call overload, transfer 911 calls based on caller location data, better support during natural disasters), supporting this strategy yields longer term benefits to the residents and visitors to Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and will lead to more patient - centric care. The Board of Managers voted unanimously to support this approach. Southeast Connector Proiect and Eminent Domain In February 2023, TxDOT notified the District of eminent domain for the 121/820 Highway Expansion Project. The District must relocate to a new headquarters by February 2024. This unexpected challenge, along with current obligations to NG9-1-1, required a strict budget cut at all levels of operations. In 2023, a 2.9M operations budget cut began the process. At that time, the Board of Managers hoped to continue the Assistance Programs; however, with a forced relocation project, it was evident those funds would not be available. Tarrant County is the second-largest District in the State and one of the last to implement NG9-1-1. Providing exceptional service to our citizens remains the top priority and mission. The goal remains to serve our Tarrant County PSAPs and provide the most reliable and resilient 9-1-1 equipment. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 23-0722 ypATAipt. i r rn 119,3 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 6, 2023 Page 3 of 3 SUBJECT: Tarrant County 911 District Reallocation of Funding from the FY23 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and Radio Interoperability Assistance Programs to support the Next Gen 911 implementation and the acquisition of a new headquarters Next Steps Tarrant County 911 staff and the City of Fort Worth will continue to work together to ensure the 911 system is patient -centric and focused on providing exceptional customer service as NG-911 is implemented and a new headquarters is being selected. For questions regarding this information, please contact Valerie Washington at Val eri e.washin _gtongfortworthtexas.ov. David Cooke City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS