[Scan-DC] Delaware's 800-MHz Project Could be Delayed

[Alan Henney]

http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=6453104

Reported by Oren Lieberman
Delaware's 800-MHz Project Could be Delayed

(Photo: WBOC)

05/01/2007 10:53 PM ET

DOVER, Del.- Every year, Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner submits her
budget, and every year lawmakers dissect the budget to cut costs.

In the first day of three weeks worth of hearings, lawmakers floated
an option that would save taxpayers millions of dollars.  But it would
come at the expense of safety.

In an emergency, first responders need the right information at the
right time.  Delaware's 800- megahertz radio system was designed to
coordinate communication between emergency crews.  The $65 million
system was supposed to be finished in two years, but as the state
faces a financial crunch, lawmakers have suggested delaying the
project, though they say it is not likely.

"I think the chances are that they'll probably give them all [the
money]," said Sen. Robert Venables, D-Laurel. "I don't know where it's
going to come from."

The system has problems that still need to be fixed.  Bad reception in
buildings and low-lying areas can leave first responders searching for
service.  And the state has yet to build three radio towers in Sussex
County.

"It's something we need to get finished and on the road for the safety
of our guys as well as the public," said Alan Robinson, president of
the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter's Assocation.

The project calls for $12 million this year and $3 million more next
year, but project managers say the system will be finished on time.

"We just feel that it's a tight money year and they need to ask
questions of any large amounts of money being spent," said Michele
Ackels of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information.

The budget problems have affected the state across the board.
Lawmakers say they will have to cut the budget for most departments or
raise taxes.