[Scan-DC] Baltimore County, MD

[David Cohen]

Public Safety Radio Communications Network
Smith Announces $57 Million Total Replacement

Towson, Md. (April 2, 2009) — Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, 2nd
District Councilman Kevin Kamenetz and public safety officials today broke
ground for a new radio transmission tower that is part of a $57 million
capital investment project to replace the County's aging public safety radio
transmission network.

New Digital System

The new system will upgrade the existing decades-old analog radio network
that is reaching the end of its lifespan. The new digital system, based on
P25 national standards, will significantly improve the quality of
transmissions, improve the ability to use encryption of secure
transmissions, increase coverage in remote or topographically challenging
areas and enhance interoperability between County agencies and other
jurisdictions.

"In this post-9/11 world, it is extremely important that our first
responders have the ability to communicate seamlessly with their partners in
County government and other responding agencies," Smith said. "This new
modern communications network will help ensure the safety and security of
all of our citizens."

Public Safety, A Priority

The County has collaborated with the State of Maryland on this important
public safety initiative. A Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2008
between the two governments, includes permission for the County to build
some towers on state property and place County transmitters on some existing
state towers. It also allows the State to place transmitters on County
towers.

"The key to mitigating any disastrous event is the ability of first
responders to have effective communications and access to shared resources,"
said Richard Muth, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management
Agency. "The State's partnership with Baltimore County on this initiative
demonstrates a smart and proactive coordinated effort which ultimately will
save lives and property should a disaster occur," Muth said.

Radio Network Upgrade

The new digital transmission system includes upgrades to the fleet of Police
and Fire Department radios, mobile data systems and other communication
equipment. The new system will also upgrade the Department of Public Works
radio network by folding the DPW channel frequency allocations into the new
public safety network, greatly enhancing their coverage area and enabling
workers to communicate seamlessly with Police and Fire personnel as needed.

David

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