Maryland Governor Pushes for Statewide Communication System

In an attempt to better organize both state and local emergency response, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has unveiled the state’s ambitious plan to build a single communications network for first response.

The Associated Press’ Brian Witte is reporting that the system will take five to eight years to construct. It will eventually involve building five towers and two fiber optic connectivity projects and connecting 911 centers and hospitals statewide.

“Today we’re talking about one radio system that we can communicate with all of our partners in municipal, county and state government,” Terrence Sheridan, the superintendent of the Maryland State Police, told Witte.

However, Witte says it’s still unclear how much the new system will cost. O’Malley estimates the price could be between $400 million and $1 billion, with the money coming from federal, state and local sources over at least several years.

While the overall project will take years, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, the Maryland State Police and the SHA will be the first agencies linked into the new system.