Kennewick public-safety officials told legislators on Jan. 7 that parts of the region rely on an aging analog radio system that is failing and impeding interoperability among fire, police and regional partners, and asked for state support to move to a P25‑compliant digital 800 MHz system.

Chris Guerrero, identified in the meeting as Chief, said the analog system affects interoperability and creates dead spots in schools and other locations. He said the larger project would serve Benton and Franklin counties and portions of Walla Walla County. Guerrero said the total project is approximately $30 million and that the region needs roughly $8 million to proceed.

Officials said a modern digital system would provide technology benefits including Wi‑Fi and LTE capabilities that support law enforcement and school communications and reduce current dead spots. Guerrero and other presenters said the request is a regional issue and that the city and counties are coordinating with state legislators on funding strategies.

Legislators at the meeting noted similar failures in other regions of the state, and referenced Senator Dozier’s involvement in regional efforts. Presenters did not name a single legislatively sponsored funding bill at the meeting but asked legislators to consider statewide assistance for communications upgrades that support emergency response.