The SIREN Act allows states and eligible entities to redirect unused funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program toward emergency warning infrastructure projects. Specifically, states can use leftover broadband grant money to install warning sirens, disaster detection sensors (for wind, flood, fire, earthquakes), and related technology systems, provided they submit proposals approved by the federal Assistant Secretary. States must prioritize projects where they or local governments contribute at least 25 percent of costs and can create competitive subgrant programs to distribute the funds to communities. The legislation allows interstate cooperation on projects spanning multiple states and prohibits using these funds for operating or maintenance expenses. This represents a shift in how unspent broadband funds can be allocated, giving states flexibility to address emergency preparedness needs without extending the original BEAD deadline.
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