News : New Radio towers completed for Communication System

One of the new communications towers being installed for the emergency communications project in the county

The $7 million emergency communications project is moving along nicely in Benton County. Radios have been delivered, and the towers are up around the county to improve communications between all of the county emergency departments. The tower pictured is 325' high upon completion and will be one of the six towers that will connect all of the emergency services. 

The project will connect Benton County with the rest of the state to improve interoperability among emergency organizations. All counties surrounding Benton are already on the same system and under contract with RACOM out of Marshalltown.

The project will use three towers that are already standing near Van Horne, Belle Plaine and the one at the Sheriff's Office. New locations will include towers near Oak Grove Church, and Rodger's Park both standing at 325' and one in Norway, which is a bit shorter at only 235'. These are all part of a larger upgrade including radio communications systems at both the jail, in patrol cars, Emergency Management, ambulance and fire. The upgrade has been needed for several years. 

The next step will be to install shelters under the towers, which will run the electricity, and add all of the equipment and generators.

A story about the project can be seen HERE.