Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Town of Saugus Awarded $1 M in Federal Funding for Public Safety Communication Enhancements - March 23, 2022
Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Town of Saugus Awarded $1 M in Federal Funding for Public Safety Communication Enhancements
Town of Saugus among 120 state projects funded by Congressionally Directed Spending
SAUGUS, MA – March 23, 2022 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce that the Town of Saugus has been awarded $1,000,000 for Public Safety Communication Enhancements through a Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) federal funding request submitted and championed by the offices of U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The award was included in the bipartisan omnibus federal spending bill signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden on Friday, March 11, 2022.
“I've been fighting hard alongside our Massachusetts delegation to bring in federal funding for the Commonwealth, and I'm glad we secured $1 million for the Town of Saugus,” said Senator Warren. “This funding is a big win that will help enhance the town's emergency communications infrastructure and public safety for town residents.”
“I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding for the residents of Saugus. State-of-the-art emergency communications infrastructure that’s utilized in times of emergency by the town’s first responders and the Department of Public Works is essential,” said Senator Markey. “By replacing their system, this federal investment in the Saugus community will provide more reliable emergency services for the years to come.”
CDS funding awarded to the Town of Saugus will provide critical upgrades and allow for the replacement of the town’s older communications system and infrastructure. This enhancement of public safety communication infrastructure will ensure reliability and town-wide coverage for the portable and mobile radios. This investment in public safety communications infrastructure will provide town residents with more responsive emergency services, needed security and reliability, and will bring greater peace of mind to residents and businesses in the Town of Saugus.
Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA-6) whose district includes the Town of Saugus said “This communications reliability and legacy replacement project is a win-win for the community, representing a significant public safety opportunity and a needed investment in a robust Town-owned fiber network. Enhancements to the town’s emergency communications infrastructure will provide an invaluable asset to the community and the regional public safety goals for the Town of Saugus and the North Shore.”
The overall cost of this enhancement to public safety communications infrastructure is expected to be approximately $2,000,000. The $1,000,000 in federal funds awarded by Senators Markey and Warren will build on the more than $500,000 already allocated in the Town’s budget, including a $50,000 Public Safety Earmark provided by the State Delegation in FY2018, to pay for the new communications system.
“This has been a priority for Saugus and these funds will allow Saugus to continue to move forward with this much needed upgrades for Public Safety. This system will vastly improve first responder communication infrastructure to better serve the residents of Saugus. The proposal will also expand our fiber-optic network to ensure the equipment is reliable and connected with local and regional emergency response agencies,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “This appropriation will have tremendous benefits for Saugus residents by securing state of the art public safety capabilities and better protecting lives and property throughout town.”
“Reliable and efficient communication during an emergency can be the difference between life and death. We must continue to make investments like this that put our police officers in the best position to serve the community.” said State Senator Brendan Crighton, Third Essex District.
Senators may request CDS funding for projects in their state each fiscal year that showcase ample local community support and, in most cases, fulfill a distinct local need. A small number of proposals supported by Senators are awarded.
“I am constantly looking out for the best interests of Saugus residents and believe that this project will greatly improve our first responder’s ability to better serve the residents of Saugus with a new robust and reliable emergency communication infrastructure,” said State Representative Donald Wong, 9th Essex District.
“Upgrading our emergency communication infrastructure will greatly enhance the public works response to floods, snowstorms, infrastructure emergencies, etc. The project, when completed, will ensure the equipment is reliable and connected with local and regional emergency response agencies,” said State Representative Jessica Ann Giannino, 16th Suffolk District.
For more information, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.