LCRA, Coastal Bend radio coalition join forces to keep first responders connected outside their service areas
New collaboration enhances public safety along key evacuation routes from the Coastal Bend
NOV. 14, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas – The Coastal Bend Public Safety Radio Coalition, an alliance of South Texas first responders, is connecting to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s radio system to enhance regional emergency communications, creating one of the largest public safety emergency communications networks in Texas. The expanded network will enable the first responders to maintain continuous radio coverage during hurricane evacuations and other emergencies that take them outside the Coastal Bend.
The coalition, which includes first responders from six counties, is tying into the existing LCRA radio network to ensure the responders can maintain communication along major evacuation routes from the Coastal Bend to the planned evacuation center in Caldwell County and to San Antonio and Austin. When fully operational, the expanded radio system will enable the emergency responders to use their radios in more than 57 counties, or about a fifth of Texas.
“Maintaining working communication channels is paramount for first responders, especially during evacuations that can put tens of thousands of people on the road at once,” said Sheriff Oscar Rivera of San Patricio County. “This network also provides tremendous value to regional law enforcement collaboration efforts. Many criminal enterprises spread across multiple counties, and this enables us to share information quickly and efficiently with our fellow law enforcement officers.”
Through the new agreement with LCRA, the radio coalition’s 10,400 first responders and operational users can stay connected throughout much of South and Central Texas.
“The large communications umbrella this creates over the region provides interoperability that helps first responders provide mutual aid more quickly in times of need,” said Peter Collins, chief information officer for the City of Corpus Christi. “We’re excited about the expansion and look forward to other first responders joining as well.”
Coalition member agencies include the cities of Corpus Christi and Kingsville; sheriff’s departments from Brooks, Kleberg, Nueces and San Patricio counties; the Port of Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Portland police departments; and the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority.
The network uses the Project 25 Phase 2 standard for interoperable radio communication and the 700/800-megahertz frequencies reserved for public safety by the Federal Communications Commission.
“LCRA created a radio system more than 30 years ago to help us maintain our power and water operations,” said Stephen Kellicker, LCRA executive vice president of Enterprise Resources. “As part of our mission to enhance the lives of the Texans we serve, we are pleased to make the network available to first responders throughout our service territory.”
LCRA’s radio system covers more than 50,000 square miles in more than 50 counties. LCRA uses the extensive system for its operations and shares the system with governmental entities, electric utilities, schools and other public safety entities.
More than 200 external customers use LCRA’s radio system, including more than 100 first responder entities, 75 cities and counties, 11 electric utilities, 16 school districts and universities, and two transit authorities. The radio system helps first responders effectively collaborate and communicate across large distances. Users say they value the interoperability, size and resilience of the LCRA network.
“The Coastal Bend Radio Coalition shares LCRA’s commitment to safety and community service,” Kellicker said. “We look forward to working together for the public good for years to come.”
The LCRA radio network is available to expand communication capabilities for local, state and federal partners.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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