Lassen and Plumas County Emergency Communications Integration Project

Lassen and Plumas Counties propose to implement the Lassen and Plumas County Emergency Communications Integration project.  The purpose of this project is to integrate the 911 dispatch systems, and radio communications systems in Lassen and Plumas Counties in order to provide more reliable and timely public safety services to the public.  When completed, the project will integrate Lassen and Plumas County emergency communications networks, radio systems, dispatch radio consoles, along with Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management and geographic information system (GIS) systems that will allow either dispatch center to have the full capabilities of the other. 

The Communications network portion of the project will replace aging microwave links and add two new microwave links (Lassen County) to provide the needed digital connectivity and bandwidth that will make this overall project feasible.  In addition, aging mountain top repeaters, associated base stations and ancillary equipment will need to be added or updated to be fully IP capable and interoperable between agencies. The project will also include dual band VHF/UHF handheld radios and vehicular repeaters for local law enforcement in Lassen County. Last, the project will purchase a prefabricated building to house power and generator equipment on Dyer Mtn.

These essential upgrades will provide integration of the 911 centers, and communications networks, and enhance usability and effectiveness of radio communications.  The upgrades are also critical for allowing interoperability with other State and Federal agencies to support emergency operations with CAL FIRE, CHP, Bureau of Land Management, U. S. Forest Service, and other state and federal partners in all hazard protection and mitigation efforts.

The combined service areas of Lassen and Plumas Counties is 7,333 square miles which is nearly equivalent to size of the state of New Jersey, and greater than the land area of the states of Hawaii, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.  Approximately, 63 percent of the land area in Lassen County and 90 percent in Plumas County consists of public lands managed by the federal government but where county Sheriffs’ public safety and emergency communication services are essential.  This project will make public safety services more accessible to all who reside in, or visit, Lassen and Plumas Counties.

Lassen and Plumas Counties worked together in developing this project.  Lassen County is submitting this application, and Plumas County will be a subrecipient.  Plumas County will perform/oversee all project activities in Plumas County, while Lassen County will perform/oversee project activities in Lassen County.