The Center for Rural Development to administer Law Enforcement Technology 2.0 Project  

Somerset, KY – (Aug. 24, 2026) When an emergency happens, reliable communication can make all the difference. The Center for Rural Development will administer a new initiative to help equip law enforcement agencies across Southern and Eastern Kentucky with modern communications technology to better coordinate and respond when communities need them most.
 
The Law Enforcement Technology 2.0 Project was officially announced Monday, Aug. 24, in Somerset, bringing together law enforcement officers and public safety leaders from across the region to highlight a major investment in the communications technology first responders rely on to protect their communities.
 
“Natural disasters and other recent tragedies during emergency response have magnified the need for new communications equipment in our rural police departments across Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” said U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers. “This funding will not only help our police officers better serve our communities, but it will also protect our first responders during critical emergency situations, ensuring they can communicate with one another when every second counts.” 
 
Funding for the Law Enforcement Technology 2.0 Project was secured by Congressman Rogers in a $20 million Community Project Funding earmark that was signed into law by President Trump in February. The funding is exclusively for police departments in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District to upgrade communications equipment for emergency response and natural disaster management.

The initiative will support the acquisition and deployment of critical communications equipment designed to improve reliability, interoperability, and the reach of systems used by law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency personnel. The project will help first responders communicate more effectively during routine operations, large-scale incidents, and disaster response.
 
 “Effective communication is essential to public safety,” said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development. “The Law Enforcement Technology 2.0 Project will help ensure that our first responders have reliable tools to coordinate across agencies and jurisdictions, respond efficiently to emergencies, and protect the communities they serve.”
 
Funding will prioritize communications equipment and technologies that enhance coordination between agencies, improve situational awareness, and help ensure reliable communications in both urban and rural environments. By upgrading and expanding existing systems, the project aims to reduce communication gaps and improve operational efficiency and public safety outcomes.
 
A key focus of the initiative is interoperability. Emergency situations often require law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety personnel to work together across jurisdictional and disciplinary boundaries. The Law Enforcement Technology 2.0 Project will prioritize solutions that enable seamless communication and coordination among these responders.
 
Eligibility and Application
The funding opportunity is available to eligible law enforcement agencies located within Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District. Agencies may request support for communications equipment that improves interoperability, operational coordination, and emergency response capabilities.
 
Agencies interested in requesting consideration should complete the Law Enforcement Technology 2.0 Project application form. All required information must be submitted through the application to be considered.
 
Submitted requests will be reviewed to determine eligibility and alignment with the goals of the Law Enforcement Technology 2.0 Project. Funding decisions will prioritize requests that demonstrate a clear need and meaningful potential to strengthen communications, coordination, and emergency response capabilities.
 
To apply or request consideration, please visit www.centertech.com and complete the project application form. For more information, call 606-677-6000.
 
Established in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers, (KY-05), and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.