Radio Tower Heading To Construction

Soon, one of the "black holes" in Cameron County's emergency communications coverage will be illuminated with radio and microwaves, thanks to a tower that is set to be constructed in southern Cameron County.

Erection of a new 260-foottall tower to accommodate wireless communications in a previously unserved section in eastern Cameron County should begin in the next week

or two, according to Emergency Services Director Kevin Johnson.

Eventually, the same tower going up on Grove Hill could also be used to broaden consumer cellphone coverage, assuming that a wireless communications provider takes the cue.

"That would be gravy," Johnson said. "So far, none of the providers has shown interest, but the potential will always be there."

The Grove Hill project was stalled by many factors, which was a source of frustration to emergency services personnel whose radios were rendered useless in the region.

A private landowner, Chris Lund, agreed to donate the use of his property for erection of a tower and a used tower had been donated for the site.

When construction costs came in at nearly double what had been allocated, local planners went "back to the drawing board," Johnson explained.

That obstacle was cleared when Cameron County was able to acquire funds from the Wireless 911 tax, tacked onto telephone bills. The added money enabled the county to trade in the used tower for a heavier one that will be able to handle additional frequency loads if they are ever needed.

Site work has been completed, an access road cleared and electrical service secured, according to Johnson. Construction of the base will begin as soon as the company, Center Communications, sees at least three mild days in the weather forecast.

Additionally, Cameron County has worked out a deal with the state that will result in a secure building being constructed for transmitters, receivers, generators and other equipment. In return, the Forestry Bureau and other state agencies will be able to use the new tower at no charge. The state has also agreed to pay the electric bill.

Johnson noted that the Grove Hill tower has been in various stages of development for two years.

Once the tower is erected and functional, the next step is to enable it to hook up with the Whittimore Hill tower and ultimately dispatch in Elk County.