Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report

The MERA radio system is vital for emergency countywide communications between police, firefighters and public works crews. The emergency communications system is a network of radio antennas and equipment linked with microwave connections. However, the combination of older equipment and recent changes to frequency requirements by the Congressional Jobs Bill HR 3630 now requires an upgrade of all Ultra High Frequency (T‐band) radio communications systems, including the MERA system. The Next Gen System would update the current backbone network to utilize new radio frequencies in the 700MHz band to vacate the UHF (T‐band) frequencies currently utilized. The Next Gen System would also utilize Project 25 (P25) technology to provide improved public service and emergency radio coverage within the County of Marin. Funding for the project is generated by a parcel tax that was authorized by Marin County voters in 2014.