Released: August 31, 2020
First responders, members of the business community and residents invited to send a letter in support
Delaware County is requesting a $6 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Grant from the Commonwealth to support a more than $40 million project to rehabilitate and modernize the County’s 911 Emergency Communications System. The project includes the renovation or relocation of more than 24 sites across the county, changing radio frequencies, and replacing subscriber radios.
“The current 911 emergency communications system has serious service and security deficiencies and is long overdue for modernization,” said Tim Boyce, Director of Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services. “First responders throughout the county and members of Delaware County Emergency Services have expressed concerns about the current radio system for several years, citing examples that have put first responders and the community in danger.”
Delaware County is making a once-in-a-generation investment in the safety of its residents, as well as those across the region. The project will contribute to the critical public safety infrastructure that protects not only the 560,000 residents of Delaware County but also the thousands of people who work in Delaware County, those who travel through Delaware County, and those who require the services that the county’s 911 system supports.
The grant will fund part of a comprehensive public safety project that will:
Enable radio signals to consistently reach first responders and emergency services providers
Secure new dedicated and secure public safety radio channels
Connect first responders in real-time with local businesses, hospitals, schools, and universities to ensure they have direct access during a disaster
Support emergency dispatchers, law enforcement officers and the paid and volunteer first responders who protect the community
The project will generate more than 27,000 hours of work and stimulate significant economic impact while supporting the 130 county emergency services staff who answer 911 calls and coordinate emergency response.
“Upgrading the current emergency communications system is vital to the safety of our first responders and the entire community,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Brian Zidek. “We are calling on residents, the business community and first responders to support our efforts in upgrading the system. Thank you to the many County legislators who have sent communications to the Governor in support of the grant.”
First responders, members of the business community and residents are invited to send a letter in support of the County’s RACP application. A template letter can be found here: https://www.delcopa.gov/publicrelations/releases/2020/pdf/2020FundingRoundPublicComment.docx