Joint Powers Agreement

In June, 2008 the Council approved a Joint Powers Agreement to join the South Central Minnesota Regional Radio Board (RRB). The Regional Radio Board was approved because the Minnesota public safety radio infrastructure needs updating. There has been an increase in interoperability requirements. Multi-jurisdictional responses highlight a need for the ability to speak directly over the radio with members of neighboring public safety agencies on demand, in real time. Changes in technologies have expanded the need for spectrum. Providing critical public safety communications requires the availability of sufficient spectrum. Most public safety agencies currently utilize UHF or VHF spectrum. The FCC (for non-federal licensees) and NTIA (for federal licensees) decided to increase the efficiency of the existing spectra by narrowing the width of radio channels as the best way to meet the growing need for spectra by public safety. They have mandated that all local and state agencies using equipment in the VHF and UHF bands migrate to narrow-band by January 1, 2013.

The federal Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant program has allotted Minnesota $14 million to enhance public safety communications. The (PSIC) grant funds allocated to equipment require a 20% match and at least 80% of the funds must be allocated to local governments or administered by the State on behalf of local governments(will be administered by the State under a Memorandum or Understanding approved by all Radio Boards or Radio Advisory Committees). The (PSIC) wants to install two ARMER system radio control stations in every Public Safety Answering Point in the state and one in every Emergency Operation Center. They also want to conduct comprehensive local and regional communication planning through a thorough assessment of all alternatives (VHF/UHF/700-800 MHz).

Funds must be expended by 09/30/10

  • $600,000 has been allocated to regional radio boards to pay for Interoperable Communication Training.
  • $4.5 million has been allocated for subscriber equipment (portables/mobile radios) capable of operating on the ARMER backbone. (with 20% match that is $5.625 million for subscriber radios)
  • $3.3 million has been allocated to enhance VHF/UHF interoperability in conjunction with the ARMER build out.
    • May add VHF transceivers to ARMER tower sites and link them into regional or statewide ARMER talk groups or by enhancing VHF interoperable resources
    • MINSEF and Statewide Fire at the PSAP’s so those interoperability resources could be selectively linked into interoperability talk groups at the PSAPs.