Hello,
Here is an article from www.delawareonline.com It seems the State is considering slowing down funding for system upgrades.
A slowdown for 800 MHz funding?
By PATRICK JACKSON, The News Journal
DOVER -- State lawmakers wondered aloud today about the possible consequences of tampering with one item that has been viewed as untouchable in recent years -- continuing to upgrade the 800-megahertz emergency communications network.
Building towers and installing equipment in buildings has consumed tens of millions of dollars since officials found out years ago that the 800-megahertz system left “dead spots” in buildings and low-lying areas, potentially leaving emergency crews unable to communicate under the worst of conditions.
But members of the Joint Bond Bill Committee opened their review of Gov. Ruth Ann Minner’s $554.8 million capital budget by asking what would happen if worked planned for the last two years of a 5-year plan were stretched out.
Minner’s budget recommends spending $12.1 million to continue the $65.1 million project. Work set for next year includes towers in Bethany, Lewes and Williamsville in Sussex County.
Tom Jarrett, director of the state’s Department of Technology and Information, said delayed funding would mean higher costs and continued communication problems for firefighters, police and rescue teams in some spots.
“How much depends on how much you cut,” Jarrett said. “Because this was done in stages, I can say it would have the biggest effect in Sussex.”
Rep. Vincent Lofink, R-Bear, the committee’s co-chairman, said the questions don’t mean the project will be cut in the end. They do, however, reflect the tall task before the committee.
With revenues growing slowly, there won’t be much money available from the operating budget to bolster the capital budget, which is limited by state cap on borrowing.
And there are huge pent-up needs, including the need to find $1.5 billion for unfunded road construction projects and an $80 million state obligation for school construction for bond issues passed since Minner proposed her budget in January.
“These are questions we usually ask in June when we’re [finalizing] the budget,” Lofink said. “I think we’re asking now because we want to know what our options are.”
Copyright © 2007, The News Journal
Here is an article from www.delawareonline.com It seems the State is considering slowing down funding for system upgrades.
A slowdown for 800 MHz funding?
By PATRICK JACKSON, The News Journal
DOVER -- State lawmakers wondered aloud today about the possible consequences of tampering with one item that has been viewed as untouchable in recent years -- continuing to upgrade the 800-megahertz emergency communications network.
Building towers and installing equipment in buildings has consumed tens of millions of dollars since officials found out years ago that the 800-megahertz system left “dead spots” in buildings and low-lying areas, potentially leaving emergency crews unable to communicate under the worst of conditions.
But members of the Joint Bond Bill Committee opened their review of Gov. Ruth Ann Minner’s $554.8 million capital budget by asking what would happen if worked planned for the last two years of a 5-year plan were stretched out.
Minner’s budget recommends spending $12.1 million to continue the $65.1 million project. Work set for next year includes towers in Bethany, Lewes and Williamsville in Sussex County.
Tom Jarrett, director of the state’s Department of Technology and Information, said delayed funding would mean higher costs and continued communication problems for firefighters, police and rescue teams in some spots.
“How much depends on how much you cut,” Jarrett said. “Because this was done in stages, I can say it would have the biggest effect in Sussex.”
Rep. Vincent Lofink, R-Bear, the committee’s co-chairman, said the questions don’t mean the project will be cut in the end. They do, however, reflect the tall task before the committee.
With revenues growing slowly, there won’t be much money available from the operating budget to bolster the capital budget, which is limited by state cap on borrowing.
And there are huge pent-up needs, including the need to find $1.5 billion for unfunded road construction projects and an $80 million state obligation for school construction for bond issues passed since Minner proposed her budget in January.
“These are questions we usually ask in June when we’re [finalizing] the budget,” Lofink said. “I think we’re asking now because we want to know what our options are.”
Copyright © 2007, The News Journal
