Marion County approves $1.4 million design‑build contract for canyon emergency alert system
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Summary
The board voted to approve a $1,399,410.68 design‑build contract with Acoustic Technologies (ATI Systems) using a $1.8 million COPS grant to install sirens, strobes and web‑activated alerts across canyon areas to improve real‑time evacuation warnings.
Marion County commissioners on Nov. 12 approved a design‑build contract with Acoustic Technologies Incorporated (doing business as ATI Systems) to install a canyon emergency alert system using federal COPS grant funds.
Ryan Kreuther, Marion County Public Works, said the $1,399,410.68 contract fits within an awarded $1,800,000 community oriented policing services grant and will fund sirens, strobes and a web/mobile interface to deliver real‑time alerts across canyon communities. Greg Walsh, Marion County Emergency Management, said the system will allow prerecorded and live voice messages, grouping of sirens to provide location‑specific directions (for example, "evacuate east" vs. "evacuate west"), and includes strobe lights for ADA accessibility.
The design‑build procurement places responsibility for design, permitting, construction, commissioning and a three‑year warranty with the contractor; the project schedule requires substantial completion by March 31, 2026, with the contract term extending to Nov. 30, 2027 to allow for punch‑list and warranty obligations.
Commissioners asked about activating stations in low‑service areas and coordination with stakeholders including Linn County, U.S. Forest Service and local fire districts; presenters said they are working with those partners and plan community education about siren meanings. The board approved the motion to award the contract; no recorded roll‑call names were given at the vote.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract documents and proceed with permitting, stakeholder coordination and community outreach prior to installation.