Ware County's 911 Tower To Be Razed, New One Built
Release Date: December 17, 2001
Release Number: R4-01-42
Atlanta, GA -- Ware County's 911 communications tower will be torn down and replaced by one that can withstand winds of up to 100 mph.
The existing tower was built for only 60 mph winds, thus the new tower will nearly double the wind-load capacity.
"This is a critical structure that provides emergency communications and serves as a 24-hour warning point in Ware County," said Kenneth O. Burris Jr., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) region IV director. "In this instance, better communications means better protection for the public." The tower is located in Waycross, the county seat.
FEMA will pay $35,175 of the $46,900 total project cost.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) prioritized wind retrofit projects after the state was hit by tornadoes in 2000. The Ware project will be one of the first in the state under the program.
"This wind retrofit grant will play a vital role in helping Ware County maintain critical operations capabilities during severe weather events," said GEMA Director Gary McConnell.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 01-Oct-2003 10:46:13