Holmes County Emergency Radio Project

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Holmes County will use these funds to develop and implement a new narrowband digital radio communication system for the county's public safety and emergency response agencies. This system will bring the county into compliance with FCC mandates for narrowband, provide interoperable communications for all emergency personnel, improve coverage, and reduce long-term costs. Four MOTOTRBO repeaters will be acquired and installed on two towers, and 94 new radios will be acquired for law enforcement. Two of the repeaters will be dedicated to law enforcement and two to fire and EMS services, thus providing the foundation for the larger system that will allow all emergency response personnel to communicate and serve the estimated 41,445 county residents.

NCA/NCF