We've received news from the Corporation for National & Community Service regarding the status of ARRL's Katrina Response grant. The request that ARRL submitted in January 2006 to reallocate funds not spent last fall has been approved. The reallocation request is not new funding, but unspent funds from the $177,000 grant awarded to ARRL in September 2005. The request outlined four projects that are based on post-Katrina reports from the field organization and an internal ARRL after action report prepared by Vice President Craigie. These projects will strengthen ARRL's support of the field organization and better prepare ARRL HQ for future multi-section or regional disasters. The four projects are: * ARRL will design, develop and implement a national volunteer database of experienced and trained emergency communications volunteers who will be deployed when disaster occurs. * ARRL will draft, implement and test a national response plan for ARRL Headquarters to support the Amateur Radio field organization and served agencies during disasters. * ARRL will install a new and expanded telecommunications system with increased functionality to support the ARRL field organization leadership * ARRL will upgrade the equipment, functionality, and staff and volunteer operator training for its flagship station, W1AW. These projects will be managed by the COO and Field & Educational Services Manager and are scheduled to complete these projects by September 30, 2006. 73, Mary K1MMH