Commission authorizes application to Kansas 911 Board for school facility mapping

Harvey County commissioners unanimously approved a request Oct. 28 to allow county Communications staff to apply for the Critical Facility Mapping Grant Program administered by the Kansas 911 Board on behalf of Harvey County K–12 schools.

Communications Director Don Gruver and Assistant Director Molly Redinger told the commission the state‑led program funds indoor and outdoor GIS mapping of priority facilities—including K–12 schools—to provide 911 dispatch centers and first responders with floorplans and site data. Presenters said the current grant round focuses on K–12 schools and that the program was established by the legislature with a first‑year appropriation of $2 million.

Commissioner Terry Scott moved to permit Harvey County Communications to submit the application and to sign memoranda of understanding with school districts; Commissioner Becky Reimer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

County materials indicate there will be no direct cost to Harvey County or the school districts for the mapping work as funded by the Kansas 911 Board, though optional vendor services (hosting, web apps, mapping of non‑priority facilities) would require local funding if elected.

The approved authorization allows Communications staff to pursue the grant and coordinate required agreements with district officials; the packet identifies state liaison contacts and an online portal for application submission.