AUXCOMM update: GIBA approves $60,000 budget for their part of program hardware
BY GEORGE HAMRICK
Fire Chief C.W. Blosser and the Island EOC Emergency Communications & Interoperability Working Group would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority (GIBA) for its participation in the island Auxiliary Emergency Radio Communications System (AUXCOMM) project.
The GIBA Board voted to approve “a not-to-exceed amount of $60,000 for the purchase of components of the emergency communications system that will be owned and maintained by GIBA.” This will fund the entire cost of the bridge’s antenna and radio repeater installation, staff handheld radios and extensive training.
The bridge installation is an important part of the triple-redundant AUXCOMM radio antenna & repeater system for both routine daily use by many island entities and for disaster recovery management. In the event of sustained total communications and power failure as was experienced post-Hurricane Ian.
That particular installation is specifically designed to ensure reliable backup radio communications with the new Fire House mini-EOC; Fire Dept. vehicles; Gasparilla Island Water Authority personnel at the distant off-island well field; and the mainland hurricane recovery mobilization point at the Cape Haze Publix parking lot. All objectives are as specified by Chief C.W. Blosser.
In addition to GIBA’s portion of the project, the total amount raised for the other components of the project is $306,595. Island organizations and concerned citizens have contributed the following amounts to since mid-August:
Island Disaster Fund: $150,000
Woman’s Club: $75,000
Private Citizen: $50,000
Private Citizen: $20,000
Private Citizen: $2,000
Health Clinic Foundation: $8,095
Boca Grande Charities: $1,500
Total: $306,595
Some important AUXCOMM equipment enhancements for increased ease of emergency and special events management at the new Fire House EOC are in development. A final project cost will be defined in the near future.
Other significant progress includes the arrival of the required antennas, radio repeaters and numerous radios for the triple redundant AUXCOMM system.
Installations will commence sequentially in early November. Beginning with the antenna and radio repeater at the bridge on November 9. Further updates will be provided as milestones are reached.
Donations to the AUXCOMM project are tax-deductible when made to the Boca Grande Fire Control District.
George B. “Bo” Hamrick is the project coordinator for the Boca Grande Fire Department Island Emergency Communications and Interoperability Working Group Communications Subcommittee.
