FCSD receives $400,000 federal grant for fiber optics

By Staff
Jason Houston FCT Managing Editor
Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott had good reason to smile this week - about 400,000 good reasons, actually.
Plott said he was thrilled to be able to announce the largest grant the sheriff's department has ever received, $400,000 in federal funds through the Appalachian Regional Commission that will be used for a high-speed fiber optic telecommunication service. The system will be used in the county's new jail, currently under construction. Plott, along with county clerk Gail Estis, worked to secure the grant.
The grant, which will be administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, requires a 20 percent match from the county, which will be paid through funding for the new jail facility.
Plott said the new system will serve as a "backbone" that will be a benefit to the county for years to come.
Plott said the system could also be used so that school alarms will go directly to the 911 center. Also, the system can allow for a back-up 911 center in case something happens to the existing system.
The system's eventual possibilities are virtually endless, Plott said. Some day, his officers could go through training classes being taught from a distant college campus, all through telecommunication. Plus, officers will someday have computer terminals in their vehicles that will provide them access to databases providing criminal histories, driver's license information, and much more.
The bids for the project will be solicited within the next 90 days if all goes according to plan, Plott said.