Clinton County commissioners ok receipt of $8.1 million grant to upgrade 911 service

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Clinton County Commissioners at their Thursday meeting were more than happy to approve a contract for better than $8.1 million in state Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act funding for improvements to the county’s emergency communication system.

The board unanimously approved the contract with the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Commissioner Jeff Snyder called the grant “a huge thing” for county, stating “it is very much needed.” He thanked the county planning office grant writers for their efforts and also thanked Rick Vilello, former Lock Haven mayor now an official with DCED for his work in obtaining the grants.

The commissioners noted there is a tight timeframe to bring the project to fruition and said upgrade work is underway now.

Last month’s state announcement said the funds will be used to upgrade the radio equipment and software at the tower sites and at the public safety answering point. Upgrades will be made to the equipment within the 911 towers, including microwaves and a new digital radio system. Precast concrete shelters will be placed to protect the infrastructure and provide climate-control protection to the equipment. Finally, updates to the system’s microwave antennas will be made to allow for multiple pathways for every transmission tower.