PORT ST. JOE, Fla – On January 31, 2023, the Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. Board of Directors voted unanimously to execute the agreement to fund the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioner’s grant proposal to purchase and build a new county-wide emergency communications system. The agreement covers costs of up to $11 million for the project, with a county capital contribution of $1 million.

 

“This grant funding represents a significant accomplishment for Wakulla County, and we are grateful to Triumph for making this investment in our community.” said County Commission Chairman Ralph Thomas, “A new emergency communications system is vital to the operations of our first responders.”

 

The current microwave-based system was installed in 2001 and has slowly deteriorated and become incompatible with those used by partnering public safety agencies. The County began pursuing funding for the project in 2015 and is currently negotiating with the awarded contractor to construct the new system.

 

“I would like to thank Triumph Gulf Coast Board for funding the project.” said Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Michelle Metcalf, “This system will provide peace of mind for all of our public safety officers, school district members, citizens, and businesses countywide.”

Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that administers funds recovered for economic damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Board administers the allocation of funds for the recovery, diversification, and enhancement of the eight Northwest Florida counties disproportionally impacted by the oil spill, including Wakulla.

For additional information related to this story, please contact Kinsey Miller, Public Information Officer, at (850) 926-0919 Ext. 712.