LORDSBURG - Hidalgo County has started to see the benefits of more than $3 million in state funding to enhance communication for emergency responders in the region that includes the rugged Boot Heel and remote stretches of borderland.
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that Scott Richins, emergency manager for Hidalgo County, said funding for digital radios that improve coverage and clarity is critical considering the distance from the county’s offices in Lordsburg to remote locations.
Hidalgo County officials credit Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for spearheading the effort to fund an enhanced emergency communications systems for first responders in the region after they voiced their concerns.
“The short term fixes were: let’s get some mobile equipment, some portable equipment in there, towers and repeaters and those sorts of things,” Kelly Hamilton, acting secretary for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said. That system will be in place by March.
The state is also funding long-term communication improvements, including building a permanent radio tower.
Tisha Green, Hidalgo County manager said “As soon as they’re done, we’ll actually have communication throughout the entire Hidalgo Country.”
The state is also working with Verizon and AT&T to add infrastructure in the area for residents who currently have spotty or no cell phone service at all.
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that Scott Richins, emergency manager for Hidalgo County, said funding for digital radios that improve coverage and clarity is critical considering the distance from the county’s offices in Lordsburg to remote locations.
Hidalgo County officials credit Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for spearheading the effort to fund an enhanced emergency communications systems for first responders in the region after they voiced their concerns.
“The short term fixes were: let’s get some mobile equipment, some portable equipment in there, towers and repeaters and those sorts of things,” Kelly Hamilton, acting secretary for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said. That system will be in place by March.
The state is also funding long-term communication improvements, including building a permanent radio tower.
Tisha Green, Hidalgo County manager said “As soon as they’re done, we’ll actually have communication throughout the entire Hidalgo Country.”
The state is also working with Verizon and AT&T to add infrastructure in the area for residents who currently have spotty or no cell phone service at all.
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