$665 Million For Radio Network

The Portland Oregonian newspaper reports that the state’s 2007-2009 proposed budget includes $665 million for a state-wide, interoperable, public safety radio system, “or about $200 for every man, woman and child in the state.” The price tag includes $558 million for gear and $77 million for operating the system. The article notes that it would be the second most expensive state-wide radio system in the country so far, behind New York state at $1.2 billion. About $500 million of the cost would be funded by borrowing, the newspaper notes, and the state anticipates that local agencies might provide antenna sites and towers at no cost. Read the entire article and itemized costs here. Also read an editorial on the radio plan by The Oregonian (Portland) here.