ANTONOVICH PRAISES $155 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich joined with local officials in praising a $155 million grant from the Federal Government for the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) -- a modern, integrated wireless voice and data communications system that will support more than 34,000 first responders and local mission-critical personnel within the region.   Additionally, the system will also support interoperability with State and Federal Agencies, such as the California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“ Los Angeles County is home to 88 cities, 134 unincorporated communities, 50 law enforcement agencies and 31 fire service agencies,” said Antonovich.  “This system will enable agencies to communicate across different jurisdictions with one voice.”

“With 85 members, including over 80 of our 88 cities, LA-RICS is a model for our state and the nation in terms of its size and scope,” he added.   “With this $155 million dollar down payment from the federal government we urge the City of Los Angeles to be an equal player and join the county in its financial investment into operations of the LA-RICS JPA as we move forward.”

The system is estimated to complete in 3-5 years with a total cost at $700 million.