The Wright-Patterson Regional Council of Governments is deliberating on the acquisition of first-responder radio communication licenses for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This consideration follows the revelation that a planned project will be significantly less costly than initially anticipated.

Dave Burrows, a council member and executive with the Dayton Development Coalition, informed fellow members that the cost of removing telephone poles near a Wright-Patterson runway has decreased to approximately $1,600, a stark contrast to the earlier estimate of around $200,000. These poles were previously viewed as potential safety hazards for aircraft landing at the base.

With the reduced expenses, the council is contemplating redirecting funds towards MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) radio licenses. This system is a comprehensive radio and data network that connects over 3,000 public safety agencies in Ohio, facilitating communication between Air Force personnel and local communities.

The expected expenditure for these licenses is under $20,000, according to Burrows. If approved, the funding would be sourced from a $1 million Small Business Administration grant. In December, the council had allocated up to $700,000 for projects at Wright-Patterson, though specific projects were not publicly detailed due to security concerns.

The council frequently addresses resiliency issues at the base, which employs over 30,000 military and civilian personnel. Consultant Matrix Design Group conducted studies in 2024 to ensure local development does not interfere with the base’s operations and that both natural and man-made factors do not hinder its functionality.

As a municipal government entity, the Wright-Patterson council has the authority to enact laws and allocate funds akin to other municipal governance bodies, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting the base, the Dayton area’s largest employer.

Original reporting: Dayton Daily News — read the source article.