In Iowa, Winneshiek County is approaching the final stages of its $5.2 million 911 tower project, according to Communications Center Administrator Sean Snyder. The initiative, designed to significantly enhance emergency radio communication, has saved the county millions compared to similar projects in other regions, according to the Decorah Leader.
While other counties have spent up to $10 million on similar systems, Winneshiek County kept costs low by avoiding bond financing and paying over time. Sheriff Dan Marx credited Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Mark Vick for playing a key role, especially in securing land for tower sites.
Launched in 2017, the project included four new strategically placed towers to overcome the county’s rugged terrain. Snyder noted that the system now provides approximately 95 percent handheld and 98 percent in-vehicle radio coverage, despite some challenging areas with limited reception.
The tallest tower, constructed near Highway 9, serves as the “backbone” of the system, while upgrades to other tower sites have strengthened overall communication reliability, the Leader reported.
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