Governor O'Malley and County Executive Jim Smith Highlight Progress on $57 Million Project to Completely Replace County's Public Safety Radio Communications Network
TOWSON, MD (September 24, 2009) –Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Governor Martin O'Malley and public safety officials today hailed the construction of a new radio transmission tower that is part of a $57 million capital investment project to replace the County's aging and outdated public safety radio transmission network.
The new digital system will upgrade the existing decades-old analog radio network that is reaching the end of its lifespan and significantly improve the quality of transmissions. It will improve the ability to use encryption of secure transmissions, increase coverage in remote or topographically challenging areas and enhance interoperability between County agencies and other jurisdictions.
"This three-year project will further improve our first responders' ability to communicate with each other, with relevant County agencies as well as with our partners at the state and throughout the region," Smith said. "This state-of-the-art communications network will help us ensure the safety and security of all of everyone in Baltimore County."
The County's new digital transmission system includes upgrades to Police and Fire Department radios, mobile data systems and other communication equipment. The new system will also upgrade the Department of Public Works radio network by folding the DPW channel frequency allocations into the new public safety network, greatly enhancing their coverage area and enabling workers to communicate seamlessly with Police and Fire personnel as needed.
The County has collaborated with the State of Maryland on this important public safety initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2008 between the two governments, includes permission for the County to build some towers on state property and place County transmitters on some existing state towers. It also allows the State to place transmitters on County towers.
"Today's announcement marks an important milestone in our goal to implement an advanced statewide interoperable communications system - a top priority in securing our homeland for the people of our State," Governor O'Malley said. "Ensuring the dependability of radio connectivity between all public safety agencies, including first responders is vital for the protection of our citizens and to Maryland's emergency personnel."
Last year, Governor O'Malley announced the development of the Maryland State Communications Interoperability Program, and signed an Executive Order that establishes a statewide communications interoperability plan, which will enable emergency first responders, public safety officials and all law enforcement agencies to communicate reliably, rapidly and instantaneously thus enhancing public safety across the State. Construction of the system will take place in phases over the next 5-8 years.
