MBS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION 09-17-09 Meeting Minutes
RADIO GRANT: Mr. Riesinger stated that the Airport has been selected to receive a Department of Homeland Security Public Safety Interoperability Communication (PSIC) grant. This grant will allow MBS to replace the existing radio equipment that is beyond its useful life with 800 mhz digital radios that can be utilized as part of a statewide emergency communications network. These new radios will provide much improved capabilities for both internal and inter-agency communications. They will enable the airport to effectively combine two of the existing radio systems into one and utilize existing antenna infrastructure that is owned, operated, and maintained by the Michigan State Police, therefore, the airport will no longer need to maintain expensive radio receivers, repeaters, and transmitters in-house. Using these radios on a daily basis will also help to better familiarize personnel to the Saginaw County Emergency Communications plan.
As part of this grant, MBS will receive 26 800 mhz digital radios, radio programming, and accessories. Based on information submitted during the grant process, the airport is authorized for a project total of up to $104,510.00 and the grant will pay for 80%, leaving a maximum local match of $20,902.00. The actual amount of the project will be dependent upon the final order and yet to be determined final state contract pricing for the multi-agency order. However, while working with the consultant who is administering the grant for this region, the amount is now closer to $17,000 for the airport share because of the downsizing of the program. Funds were budgeted for radio improvements in 2009 and are available in the capital budget for this project.
_MBS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION 07-16-09 MEETING MINUTES
Radio Grant: Mr. Riesinger stated that earlier this week he was notified that MBS has been selected to receive a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Public Safety Interoperability Communication (PSIC) grant. This is a great opportunity that will enable the airport to upgrade the existing equipment that is beyond its useful life with 800 mhz digital radios that can be utilized as part of a statewide emergency communications network.
As part of this grant, MBS will receive 34 800 mhz digital radios, radio programming, and accessories. The total cost for the project is $104,510 and the grant will pay 80%, leaving a local match of $20,903. Funds were budgeted for radio improvements in 2009 and are available in the capital budget.
A formal agreement or paperwork have not been received for processing this grant but staff wanted to notify the Commission of this development and note that an exhibit will be prepared for next month’s Commission meeting.
Mr. Krygier asked about the number of radios. Mr. Riesinger explained that these radios will be used by ARFF, maintenance, custodial personnel, management, and also the deputy. The added functionality is that it is part of the Michigan State Police system. Saginaw County 911 is making the transition to this radio along with all mutual aid departments in Saginaw County. Midland and Bay County is also involved in various stages of this transition. The goal is to test this radio on a regional basis at the tri-annual emergency exercise next spring.
