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Construction of a new radio tower in Isabella County that will improve first responder communications is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Isabella County commissioners last week paid a third milestone of $439,746 to Motorola for the project, which is being funded by the state.
Isabella County Sheriff Michael Main said construction on the tower, which will be located at Isabella County Central Dispatch at Isabella Road and Preston Street, is expected to begin within the next 45 days.
Main said the appropriation of $4.8 million by the state for a new radio tower came after first responders in Isabella County had difficulty communicating in big-box stores, buildings on the campus of Central Michigan University, heavy construction-style buildings, schools and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal entities.
State Sen. Roger Hauck, R-Mt. Pleasant, helped appropriate the money during his second term as a state representative, Main said.
Hauck was instrumental in getting the funds to the county for better communications for police, fire, ambulance, emergency management, public works and major medical facilities in the county, Main said.
The $4.8 million was appropriated to the county to build a 195-foot monopole structure at central dispatch.
That location ties into the county’s existing communications tower, which is owned by the state, and when complete will create a loop between the existing tower, the new tower and a tower located in Midland County that’s near Shepherd, Main said.
The project might require the purchase of smaller antennae on some buildings to ensure a signal is being received, according to Main.
“It is anticipated that this loop and new tower will create an appropriate level of communication in the structures throughout Mt. Pleasant, Union Township, the CMU campus and the Tribal business and government buildings,” Main said. “We are also looking at making sure we have appropriate coverage within the Shepherd and Beal City schools with this project.
“This could require some additional smaller antennae on their buildings to assure the signal is being received through the buildings.”
Main anticipates additional funding to refresh all of the law enforcement mobile and portable radios throughout the county.
“Currently, the majority of radios being used by law enforcement are at the end of life and are not being supported for service any longer,” Main said. “The refresh will assure that law enforcement has the ability to communicate with no delays or connectivity failures.
“All of the existing radios will be provided to fire and other public safety partners to provide them additional communication improvements.”
Currently, work has been completed on the design and purchase of the necessary items for the project, which is expected to be completed during the last quarter of this year, Main said, adding that the new tower will provide better, safer and more effective services for everyone who lives, works or travels in Isabella County.
