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Rush County seeks state-facilitated federal grant for tri-band radios and new mobile command trailer
Summary
County emergency services requested two Homeland Security Program grants: $94,486 for 15 tri‑band radios to unify VHF/UHF/800 MHz channels and up to $150,000 for a multiuse mobile command trailer with conference capability; presenters said both are reimbursable with no net cost to the county.
Rush County emergency services staff presented two grant proposals under the 2025 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), asking the commissioners to approve applications that would be federally funded and administered through the state.
An emergency services presenter (Unidentified Speaker, SEG 127–206) said the first proposal would buy 15 tri‑band Kenwood radios, allowing responders to consolidate VHF, UHF and 800 MHz capability into a single device. The presenter said the radio package is intended for the mobile command trailer and for incident response to tornadoes, severe storms and other disasters, and quoted a cost of $94,486.49 for that line item.
The second proposal requested funding for a new mobile command trailer to replace an aging unit. The presenter described a trailer split between an office area and a conference area that would accommodate six to eight people indoors, include wipe‑off walls, a TV, a removable and remotely operable camera mount with 26‑foot elevation capability, and other mission‑support features. The presenter said the vendor quotes arrived recently and the trailer was estimated at $135,074.40; the applicant requested authority to pursue up to $150,000 under the grant.
Board members clarified program provenance: the presenter stated the awards come from a federal grant administered by the state (Homeland Security) and that equipment purchases are reimbursable, creating “no cost to the county” except for routine maintenance. Commissioners asked whether the grant competes locally; the presenter and another official noted counties and departments apply competitively and not every proposal is funded.
Where it stands: the presenter asked the commissioners to allow submission of the two SHSP proposals; commissioners discussed the items, asked technical questions about interoperability and costs, and did not record a final vote in the transcript excerpt.
