The U.S. Virgin Islands is seeking a $515,000 federal grant to begin the process of taking part in a proposed nationwide communications network exclusively for first responders and public safety personnel, Gov. John deJongh Jr. announced Friday.

If approved, the planning grant will pay for the data collection to identify the territory’s requirements for involvement in a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network, according to Reuben D. Molloy, the territory’s chief information technology officer. The Virgin Islands Bureau of Information Technology applied on behalf of the government for the State Local Implementation Planning Grant.

“Gov. deJongh understands that broadband adoption is a foundation for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness and a better way of life," Molloy said. "This understanding has influenced the United States Virgin Island’s priorities and the allocation of resources."

According tot he statement from Government House, the nationwide initiative parallels local efforts to develop the territory’s wireless-communications infrastructure and spread broadband access across the Virgin Islands, increasing the capabilities and quality of information available to police officers and other first responders at the point of contact with the community.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created as part of The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. It is an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a division of the Department of Commerce, responsible for developing the country’s first high-speed, nationwide network dedicated to public safety, according to the statement.

The NTIA is coordinating closely with FirstNet to identify the data that states and territories must provide in preparation for the network’s development. The data collection study that the V.I. government hopes to fund by this grant will help the Virgin Islands prepare for upcoming FirstNet consultation meetings. Representatives of the Virgin Islands attended the first consultation meeting in Virginia in May.