By ANDREW GRIFFIN/for The Herald — The Lane County Board of Commissioners decided in a July 16 meeting to approve a grant from the state of Oregon worth $900,000 to help improve emergency communications technology in Lane County.
Funding secured by a joint legislative effort
Discussion around the funding started in May when U.S Representative Val Hoyle partnered with state representative Paul Holvey along with Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden to secure it for the State of Oregon. From there, the Lane County Sheriff’s office then applied to receive the grant money, which required matching funds that were met through the use of State and Federal funding.
According to the Board’s agenda for the meeting, the grant money would specifically be used to replace a multi-use radio tower on Bear Mtn. after it was found that its foundations were experiencing degradation. This tower is often used by emergency services in the county for intercommunication and is especially useful for helping follow wildfires.
Securing upgraded radio communications will improve emergency response
Additionally, it would be used to help purchase multi-band radios for rural fire services in Lane County to help boost communication in those areas. “Radio communications for first responders is critical,” read an item for the issue presented in the Board’s agenda. “Maintaining communications is vital to the health and wellness of all residents in the county and ensures law enforcement, fire, medical, and utilities can communicate and respond to emergencies.”
According to Oakridge Mayor Bryan Cutchen, efforts are underway to help secure some of this funding for his city. “Yes, we are in discussion with the county on improvements to rural emergency communications, but it is in the early stages,” said Cutchen.