In a special Thursday morning meeting, Carroll County Commissioners signed an acceptance letter for $475,000 in federal money from the Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC) to install a four-channel "Intellirepeater" in Flora. The funds will be administered through the state Emergency Management Agency office.

Local EMA Director Dave McDowell said the project is part of a state-wide effort to provide "interoperable" communication between all emergency responders. Installation of the tower is expected to improve reception and transmitting ability of radios already in use by Carroll County Sheriff's Department, local police and Indiana State Police while in Carroll County.

The 340-foot tower will be located on the corner of Elizabeth and Easy streets in Flora. The land was purchased by Emergency Radio Services who will build the tower.

According to former EMA Director Justin Darling, public safety individuals in Carroll County requested a solution to portable radio transmission issues for the county from ISPC three to four years ago. Darling said ISPC controls federal department of homeland security money which is funneled to the state to improve local emergency radio communications.

He said ISPC controls the digital 800-megahertz (mhz) public safety radio system for the state. The tower will be owned and maintained by the state.

Darling said the county will reap the benefits, but have none of the responsibility for the improved system.

The system was designed to provide enhanced emergency radio coverage throughout the county by being located in Flora. According to McDowell the tower will also support 54 new radios given to area firefighters through a separate but related grant.

McDowell told commissioners software, included in the package to upgrade the siren alert system, will allow him to map out potential flood areas before the National Weather Service becomes aware of them. He said he would be able to send out early flood warnings to residents.

McDowell said most agencies have older radio equipment to use in the event failure of the 800mhz system occurs. He said his office maintains a military-designed unit which allows interoperability between all equipment in the county, including aging gear.

"Former director Justin Darling was well ahead of his time," McDowell said. "Carroll County had interoperability long before it was even thought of in other counties. We still owe Justin a great deal of respect and appreciation for the skill with which he handled the EMA office."