The Marshall County Council is hoping additional revenue can be generated for emergency purposes.
During Monday morning’s meeting, EMA Director Clyde Avery presented a list of grants he intends to apply for in 2015. Grant efforts can provide a boost to several projects, including disaster communication, water and meal supplies, and other equipment.
Included on the list of proposed grants is from the State Homeland Security Program for six dual band 800 megahertz/VHF portable radios. Avery says some agencies often use one or the other.
“Some agencies that are still completely VHF, or they work with agencies outside of the county that are completely VHF,” says Avery. “So what I’d like to do is use that grant fund to purchase what’s called dual band radios. They VHF and 800 both.”
The radios come with a hefty price tag with six costing about $34-thousand. They would only be purchased if grant funds are awarded.
According to the list Avery provided, a total of $75-thousand in grant funds is being sought by the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency. That compares with $65-thousand in grants received in 2014.
Avery answered questions about the portable radios from the Council, saying there are benefits to the upgrades.
“The nice thing about the 800 is the state takes care of any issues with the infrastructure,” says Avery. “We’re not responsible for that. We’re simply users on their system. VHF, if you have your VHF system, you’re still responsible for the infrastructure. Power, antennas, upkeep and maintenance.”
The Marshall County Council approved the grant application requests unanimously.
