Curry County commissioners vote to fund communications center, upgraded 911 system

GOLD BEACH, Ore. — The Curry County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in support of funding the communications center, including upgrade of the 911 emergency response system for the Sheriff’s Department, the County said in a news release.

"The current system is dangerously outdated and not capable of providing critical service of public safety in the most remote areas of Curry County," the County stated. "This puts our first responders at a disadvantage in responding as quick as possible to a citizen in need of assistance."

As the Sheriff’s Office was prepared to make a presentation to the Board of Commissioners with needs for the updated system, pause to consider funding through ARP became a reality.

Curry County will receive, in total, just over $4.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds from the US Department of Treasury. The cost of upgrading the 911 emergency response system in the Curry County Sheriff’s Communications Center is $711,787.

“Every resident and visitor of Curry County will benefit from this long overdue upgrade to our emergency response system," said Commissioner Christopher Paasch.

“Our communications infrastructure is critical to the safety and well-being of everyone in the county. This project, consistent with the goals and guidance of the ARP, marks the first and maybe the most important disbursement of ARP funds in Curry," said Treasurer David Barnes.