Funding will begin upgrade of radio system for emergency responders

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- In situations of life or death, emergency responders want a radio system so they can communicate and save lives.<br/><br/>$16-million in federal funding is intended as the first step

Monday, June 21st 2004, 5:52 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- In situations of life or death, emergency responders want a radio system so they can communicate and save lives.

$16-million in federal funding is intended as the first step toward that goal.

The state Office of Homeland Security has received the money and will begin distributing it to upgrade the state's emergency radio system.

But the funding is a part of what's needed to pay for an emergency radio system expected to cost $80-million.

Public safety officials say they're hoping for more money from the federal government, but expect the Oklahoma Legislature will eventually have to pay part of the bill.

Officials say the radio system would be particularly helpful in events like the federal building bombing or damaging tornadoes when first-responders need to communicate immediately.