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12 <br /> Slide #3 <br /> Progress <br /> • The BOCC authorized studies of the radio system used <br /> by Fire,Rescue, EMS and Law Enforcement in 2016 <br /> • In 2017,the contractor was asked to explore expansion <br /> of the VIPER network. That work was completed in <br /> August of 2018. <br /> • In 2021, ES is pursuing the development of a Rough <br /> Order of Magnitude estimate with the State's radio <br /> system engineer. <br /> • In 2021,the BOCC developed a Broadband Taskforce to <br /> look for solutions to address the digital divide in rural <br /> areas. <br /> 27 <br /> Chief Cabe said just as the public experiences issues with broadband, so do Fire and <br /> EMS. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked if a "Rough Order of Magnitude" could be defined. <br /> Kirby Saunders said a Rough Order of Magnitude is how much it would cost to fix the <br /> radio system. He said an initial estimate was $48 million. He said they are working with the <br /> State to narrow that amount, while still improving services. He said the current goal is to <br /> expand the VIPER network, the scope of which is still be explored. <br /> Commissioner McKee said at the previous day's broadband meeting, the discussion <br /> included options for communications upgrades for these types of needs. He said perhaps the <br /> two efforts can combine forces moving forward. <br /> Chief Cabe continued the PowerPoint presentation: <br /> Slide #4 <br /> Future Opportunities <br /> • We ask that the BOCC consider opportunities where <br /> these projects could be mutually beneficial to one <br /> another <br /> • Fire Stations in the communities can host towers,fiber <br /> connections, and other infrastructure needed to address <br /> both the Broadband need as well as the Radio System <br /> needs of each rural community. <br /> 2E <br /> Kirby Saunders said it is wise to keep the broadband needs of the community and <br /> broadband needs of fire and EMS responders connected. He said alerts were the most <br /> important. He said there are opportunities to work with schools and hospitals that would <br />