(Washington, DC) - U.S. Representative Jason Altmire (PA-4) announced today that he has secured $200,000 for Beaver County's Emergency Services Center (ESC).  The funds will be used to complete a county-wide upgrade of the Emergency Services Center's public safety radio system.  The funding was included in the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill for FY 2008 (H.R.3093) which passed yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 281 to 142.  H.R. 3093 must be approved by the U.S. Senate and the President of the United States before it becomes final and the funding is made available to the recipient, the Beaver County Emergency Services Center.
 
"Beaver County's Emergency Services Center serves 185,000 residents and is the communication hub for over 450 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania," said Congressman Jason Altmire.  "It is crucial that the Emergency Services Center have the best technology available to effectively communicate with federal, state and local law enforcement officials and other emergency first responders in our region.  This funding will help our local officials to respond more quickly and to save lives and property."

"The recent flooding in Aliquippa is an unfortunate reminder that natural and manmade disasters can strike without warning," added Congressman Altmire.  "On July 5 and over the days that followed, 25 local fire departments and five police departments were called into action to evacuate residents, secure flooded areas, and assist property and business owners with clean-up efforts in Aliquippa.  Thirteen counties in western Pennsylvania and the City of Pittsburgh also sent equipment and personnel to assist.  This funding will support the communications infrastructure required to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts in the future."

"I am very pleased that Congressman Altmire was able to secure this $200,000 grant for our Emergency Services Center," said Beaver County Commissioner Dan Donatella.  "It will allow Beaver County to continue the ongoing improvements it has been making to its communications systems with all of the emergency responders and communities throughout the county."
 
"I wish to thank Congressman Altmire for his help in securing this important funding for our county," said Wes Hill, Director of the Beaver County Emergency Services Center.  "These funds will help improve the reliability and the interoperability of Beaver County's law enforcement radio system, helping us to do our job better and to ensure the safety of our community."