Douglas County Secures $16.6M for Emergency Radio Upgrades

WASHINGTON D.C. — Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have announced that Douglas County will receive $16,622,500 from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program over the next few years. This funding will upgrade the county’s analog radio system to a modern digital system, enhancing coordination among public safety, law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.
Previously, Merkley and Wyden secured $355,000 for this project in the fiscal year 2023 funding package. The new digital system will improve disaster response capabilities for events like wildfires, floods, and severe weather. Key investments include $15,750,000 for upgrading the emergency radio infrastructure and $872,500 for management costs.
Local officials, including Commissioner Tom Kress, expressed gratitude, highlighting the critical nature of this funding given that over half of Douglas County’s land is federally managed. The upgrades will increase resilience and reduce risks during various emergencies, ultimately saving lives and protecting property.