Comment on FR Doc # 2011-23152

As a communications deputy with the Grant County Sheriff's Office in Washngton State,I have reviewed the interim rules that expand funding for loans to agencies and organizations in rural areas. Our agency supports maintaining the interim rule as a permanent expansion. In many cases very functional effective communications options are not deployed in the rural environment due to lack of funding. Expanding this loan source will likely allow projects that are very much needed to move forward. Expansion of the program is well timed as the public safety broadband network proposal advances. Dealing with data at 911 dispatch centers and passing that data to field units are elements that rural areas are just starting to explore. Many rural areas are still even fighting to have basic voice communications that are reliable throughout their jurisdiction. The effectiveness and safety of our deputies and first responders routinely depends on their ability to comunicate. Please join me in supporting this rule change which follows legislative direction which has been on the books for several years.