| Press Release |
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| August 31, 2006 |
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Governor announces new communication resources for counties
Better police communication is vital to homeland security, Governor says
Salem, Oregon—Governor Kulongoski today announced the distribution of over $7.8 million in federal homeland security grants to upgrade law enforcement communication systems in counties throughout the state.
“Public safety depends on improving communication among police agencies,” the Governor said. “Helping local police upgrade communications is a critical first step toward keeping our homeland secure.”
Every year, the federal government invites states and counties to request money to help finance homeland security projects, such as updating communication systems. This year, 26 Oregon counties received grant money.
The state received $496,000 in grants to create the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network (OWIN), a new portable radio system that will help police and emergency responders between Portland and Salem communicate instantaneously. The new hardware for the radios will be installed at existing tower sites between the two cities.
In many communities throughout the state, public safety agencies, police and emergency responders lack the technology that allows them to communicate directly with each other in their patrol cars or in the field.
“Police and first responders in emergency situations must be able to talk with each other, regardless of where they happen to be, or what time of day it is,” the Governor said. “We must have state-of-the-art technology available in our communities, because emergencies don’t respect county boundaries.”
The following counties will receive communication upgrades:
Columbia:
$81,226 for a multiphase countywide communications enhancement plan.
Coos:
$200,000 for an enhanced countywide collaborative communications system.
Douglas:
$255,334 for an enhanced countywide interoperable communications system.
Josephine:
$200,000 for interoperable communications throughout the county.
Linn:
$83,750 for interoperable communications.
Malheur:
$250,000 for a tri-state interoperable communications project.
Multnomah:
$449, 832 for enhanced communications equipment upgrade.
Union:
$111,300 for communications upgrade phase 1.
$139,200 for communications upgrade phase 2.
Wallowa:
$55,000 for Wallowa and Union County interoperable communications project.
Washington:
$500,000 for interoperable communications.
Tillamook:
$300,000 for an interoperable communications project.
Yamhill:
$239,000 for the high heaven communication tower enhancement project.
More information on the grants (pdf)
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin: 503.378.6169
Charlie Burr: 503.378.6496
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