The Boone County Commission has approved a $2.86 million grant to help the Boone County Fire Protection District purchase new emergency radios.
The funding is part of a countywide effort to move law enforcement, fire, EMS and emergency management agencies onto a unified 800-megahertz communications system.
County leaders say the new radios will improve audio quality, provide encrypted communications, increase coverage inside buildings and make it easier for agencies to coordinate during emergencies.
The overall project is expected to cost more than $11.7 million and is funded through the county’s 911 sales tax.