Statewide radio system should inspire cooperation

The third of four phases connecting state emergency crews and officials with the Nebraska Public Power District is complete, and the entire state should be aboard by the end of the year.

It's another good example of cooperation between different governmental agencies working together for the common good.

Yes, NPPD is not strictly a governmental agency, but it is publicly owned and is a key part of dealing with natural disasters like blizzards that have paralyzed parts of the state over the past few years.

Gov. Dave Heineman sent some of the first messages out Tuesday over Phase III of the Statewide Radio Network, which covers 30 counties in central and eastern Nebraska. The Panhandle went online last year in Phase I, our part of the state, Phase II, turned on earlier this year, and the rest of eastern and a few counties in south central Nebraska will be reached by the end of the year.

The problem of interagency communication came tragically apparent with the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York City and the Pentagon, and funding became available to deal with the issue in Nebraska by 2004.

About the same time, NPPD began searching for ways to replace its aging radio system, and it became a partner with the state project in 2009.

It's no small project. The latest phase included the installation of 457 new radios in NPPD utility trucks, upgrades and equipment installation on 12 radio towers in the 30-county area, along with the installation of 135 new radios in Nebraska State Patrol Troop C vehicles, some Troop B vehicles and 25 State Fire Marshal vehicles.

When complete, the network will connect public safety personnel from seven state agencies and NPPD utility crews. It also will allow for communication with local first responders, county emergency management personnel and some federal personnel in Nebraska.

"The ability to communicate is a vital part of emergency response," said Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Nebraska's director of Homeland Security. "This system is an example of the collaboration and innovation taking place in Nebraska that is delivering high-priority technology projects that benefit residents across the state."

We're grateful the project was completed on time and in the way it was done. Besides NPPD, the State Patrol and the State Fire Marshal's office, other agencies involved included the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska Departments of Agriculture, Correctional Services and Roads and the Office of the Chief Information Officer

On the surface, it seems like a natural solution for personnel involved in life-or-death emergencies.

However, it could have easily been delayed or derailed by turf battles between the various state agencies, utilities and personalities involved. Let's hope the new statewide radio system is an inspiration for things to come.