For Immediate Release: 10/20/2010 10:01 am
Worcester, MA (October 20, 2010) - Recently, the City of Worcester was awarded a $1.6M grant to support the development and construction of a regional emergency communications call center. Once up and running, the call center would serve Worcester and as many as 10 communities surrounding the City.
The Patrick-Murray Administration released a total of $10M in grants to communities developing, or studying the feasibility of developing, public safety answering points (PSAPS). These PSAPS, or call centers, will enhance 911 and emergency dispatch communications centers, improve public safety and save money for taxpayers. An additional $2M in development grant funding is expected to be released later in October for a total of $12M this year.
These funds will support the refurbishment of a centralized emergency communications facility equipped with premium technology to provide for dispatching services to other Central Massachusetts communities. Worcester has engaged several neighboring communities to discuss the feasibility of regional dispatch services, and has signed Letters of Intent with the towns of Barre, Boylston, Fitchburg, Holden, Leicester, Lunenburg, Princetone, Spencer, Sterling and West Boylston.
As the City continues to adapt to the realities of fewer resources, regionalism will continue to play a key role in the ability to deliver cost-efficient services, to meet state and federal mandates and stricter compliance standards, and to access limited dollars for technology upgrades and other resources.
Many thanks are to be given to the Patrick-Murray Administration and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for securing these funds for our community, as well as David Clemons, Director of Emergency Management, for his leadership in stewarding this grant and this regional initiative.
