Emergency Communications Improvement Project
- Improve the talk capacity of the radio network
- Improve the efficiency (Make the radio network easier to use)
- Improve the effectiveness of the radio network (improved coverage)
- Maintain low cost of operation
- Implement infrastructure and facility life cycle management
- November 2019 - Okanogan County voters authorized the Emergency Communications sales tax 2/10 of 1% with 69% voter support.
- April 2020 - Start of the sales tax collection.
- Revenues generated from the sales tax are utilized for the expenses associated with the operation and improvement of the emergency communications radio network.
- February 2022 - ADCOMM Engineering presentation of Phase 1a findings and recommendations:
- Remaining in the VHF band and achieving the improved goals is not realistically possible.
- Partnering with and investing in the expansion of and leveraging of an existing 700/800 Mhz radio systems is the most cost-effective way to achieve the improvement goals.
Task | Status | Date | Description |
Issue Consultant RFP | Completed | Oct 2020 | Seek vendors to consult and assist in project work |
Award Consultant Contract |
Completed | Feb 2021 | Award consultant contract to ADCOMM Engineering |
Project Kickoff |
Completed | Feb 2021 |
Project kickoff meeting |
Phase 1A |
Completed | Dec 2021 |
Stakeholder interviews/needs, coverage analysis, FCC frequency availability, review governance agreements, communications site assessment. |
Phase 1A Findings | Completed | Feb 2022 | ADCOMM Findings and Recommendations report: |
Phase 1B Work | In Progress | Development of partnership with WSDOT; Site visit & Analysis (4 sites); RF site designs & Submit for 60 FCC License applications; Final Findings & Recommendations report |