Progress report [maybe a little optimistic?]
by DIANE WETZEL
World-Herald News Service
Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010 9:02 AM CST
At 3:31 p.m. Wednesday afternoon the second phase of the statewide radio network went online, linking a total of 38 western counties in Nebraska, from Scottsbluff County to Custer County and from Harlan County to Cherry County. Governor Dave Heineman activated the system during ceremonies in North Platte.
"When the statewide network in completed later this year, it will allow our public service people to communicate and provide a strong backbone for regional communication systems," Heineman said during his remarks at Trego-Duncan Aviation on Wednesday afternoon. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. and director of Nebraska Homeland Security Rick Sheehy, State Patrol Superintendent Brian Tuma, David Webb of Nebraska Public Power District and Kelly Kerwin, corporate vice-president for Motorola, as well as representatives from the various state agency partners in the project.
The statewide radio network is the result of a partnership between the state and Nebraska Public Power District. Rather than build two separate systems, state and NPPD officials agreed to share the costs of developing a single radio network that can be operated jointly, saving taxpayers and NPPD rate payers at least $20 million, Heineman said.
"This project represents the common sense of Nebraskans at its best," the governor said.
Two more phases are yet to be completed.
"The governor has said my future in his administration depends on bringing this project in on time and on budget," Sheehy joked.
On a serious note, Sheehy said that clear communication is an essential part of emergency response.
"This system helps ensure law enforcement and other safety personnel have the tools to do their jobs effectively," Sheehy said. "When complete, this network will enable first responders across all levels of government and from border to border to communicate."
NPPD and its ratepayers benefit from the increased safety and reliability of its field personnel, Webb said, and increases its ability to communicate with other state-based agencies during emergencies.
"Had we had to purchase a system on our own, our customers would have paid twice as much for it," Webb said.
Tuma said the State Patrol is pleased with the continued progress of the project.
"It represents another step toward the deployment of technology intended to improve officer safety and enhance delivery of public safety services to the citizens of Nebraska," Tuma said.
Phase II included radio towers and upgraded communication equipment at the NSP Troop D Dispatch Center in North Platte, and new radios is NSP vehicles. The first two phases of the project include about 150 NSP vehicles and additional State Fire Marshal vehicles.
When the project is completed, it will connect Nebraska public safety personnel from seven state agencies, along with local first responders and utility crews from NPPD.
"This is a major step up for us," Heineman said.
State agency partners in the network include the NSP, the State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture, Correctional Services and Roads. Other partners are the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Nebraska Educational Telecommunications, which provides access to radio towers across the state.
