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5 <br /> Orange County Radio Amateurs, Inc. <br /> Project for Emergency Communication Enhancements and Communication System Development: <br /> Resource and Utilization Document <br /> March 1995 <br /> Executive s�mmary: <br /> Urgent funding is requested to support a project for an emergency amateur radio <br /> communication system in the Triangle Area. The University of North Carolina Public TV has given <br /> permission for the Orange County Radio Amateurs, Inc. (OCRA)to place this communications <br /> equipment on the new WUNC tower currently under contruction in Chatham County. The radios <br /> will be placed on a very high platform at approximately1300 feet creating a significant new <br /> communications resource for the area. Both voice and digital modes are planned. <br /> Due to the current construction, placement of equipment on the TV tower is relatively easy. <br /> Yet there are severe time constraints for completing the project by June 1, 1995. If OCRA misses <br /> this deadline, future placement of this equipment is in jeopardy. This is, essentially, a one time <br /> opportunity to implement the necessary equipment and create a new communications system for <br /> the area to support emergency and disaster efforts by the amateur radio community. <br /> The University of North Carolina Hospitals has contributed$8,000 towards the completion of <br /> this project Total funding needs are approximately$28,000. Further funding is requested to meet <br /> the June 1 deadline.A project plan and itemized equipment list is enclosed. <br /> Your timely review of this document is requested. <br /> Data Sheet: Orange County Radio Amateurs, Inc(OCRA). <br /> • Incorporated, North Carolina, 1991; <br /> • Tax exempt status IRS 501(c)3; <br /> • Totally volunteer organization; <br /> • OCRA is a member of ti,1e national amateur radio organization (American Radio Relay League <br /> (ARRL), with approximately 80 years of continuous service); <br /> • Club members are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and are required to <br /> .pass an extensive set of exams for licensure as amateur radio operators; <br /> • .-OCRA is a special services club(ARRL)dedicated to emergency service. This is the only club <br /> of its kind in the state of North Carolina; <br /> • OCRA is part of the ARRL national Amateur Radio Emergency Services(ARES)structure; <br /> • All equipment and radios are maintained and supported by this volunteer group; <br /> • OCRA has a proven track record of emergency service including disaster support; <br /> • OCRA is incorporated into the disaster organization for Orange County and University of <br /> North Carolina Hospitals. It will participate in area wide emergencies and disasters as needed; <br /> • Amateur radio operators have had a long and proud tradition of support during emergencies <br /> and disasters; <br /> Contributors: <br /> University of North Carolina Hospitals $8,000 <br /> Private contributions $3,500 <br /> Further contributions are pending <br />