WASHINGTON - Today, the US Senate approved Senator Herb Kohl's request to direct $450,000 toward a communications system for Oneida County as part of the FY10 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Kohl serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and identified this project as a priority for funding.  

"This funding will allow Oneida County the ability to effectively communicate with local law enforcement and emergency response personnel," Kohl said. "It will allow those in the Oneida County communities the communications technology they need to keep the local community safe and secure." Interoperability has been recognized at the national level as a critical aspect of public safety, and Oneida County has been striving to make interoperable public communications a reality.

Interoperability is necessary to ensure coordinated, efficient, and effective emergency response. This project will contribute to that goal by providing radio equipment, software, and mobile data improvements to computers. The radio interoperability between local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement and public safety fire and EMS partners will result in enhanced protection of Oneida County communities. 

The funding measure was passed by the Senate, and now goes to the President for final approval.   

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