Barton County officials approved a bid with a local electrical company this week, taking another step forward in the continuing project that will provide superior emergency communications to all of the county.
County Communications Director Doug Hubbard reported to the Barton County Commission this week that Hammeke Electric, Great Bend, had the low bid for the installation of three generators that will provide emergency power to communications towers in the county.
The low bid was $13,440, Hubbard reported.
The propane powered generators will be located at the tower just east of Doonan Corner, east of Great Bend; at the tower that is located east of Susank and at another near Galatia.
Hubbard noted the system will be set up so the generators will automatically go on if there is a power outage and will also have an automated shut off system.
Installation will be done by April 1, it was added.
The funds for this project will come from a grant that the county received, helping to prepare it for the narrow band communications change over, which has been state mandated.
In the process, the county is also adding communications coverage that will make sure there is improved emergency communications.