Mineola, N.Y- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was joined today by Chief Fire Marshal Tom Tilley and representatives from the Nassau County Fire Commission to detail plans for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art 911/Fire Communication Center that will modernize and improve the County's emergency response systems.

The plan calls for $13 million to be allocated in 2006 for the construction of the new Communication Center and is part of the $50 million included in the County Executive's Capital Plan.

"The new center will help ensure that our residents continue to receive the highest quality of emergency 911 service for years to come," said County Executive Suozzi. "Our 911 dispatchers and emergency personnel save lives everyday in this County and they deserve the latest equipment and a working space that reflects their importance."

In addition to $13 million included for 2006, funding will be provided in the out-years (2007 and 2008) for the completion of this project ($32 million and $5 million respectively). Further, the Nassau County Police Department has initiated efforts to design its new Radio System with this location included.

The current facility, operating since 1971 within the Bunker at Police Headquarters and home to 230 employees, has been criticized due to its antiquated physical condition.

Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), who was instrumental in securing the funds, said she is extremely pleased that this initiative is moving forward. "This is a quality of life issue for the 911 staff," Legislator Jacobs said. "The new location will go far toward improving the health and welfare of these vitally important employees. I am pleased to be a part of the initiative which ensures they are treated with dignity and respect."

During the last five months, Real Estate and Department of Public Works officials have been examining various alternate sites throughout the County, as well as determining if it makes sense to renovate the existing site. County Executive Suozzi selected the King Kullen facility in Westbury as new site in consultation with the Fire Commission and the Nassau County Police Department. Construction is expected to begin in early 2006, with the facility opening in early 2008.

"In addition to providing a safe and healthy workplace for our Communications Technicians, this state of the art communications center will greatly enhance the ability of Nassau County's Emergency Responders to quickly and efficiently respond to emergencies in the County," said Chief Fire Marshal Tilley.

The current 911 center will serve as a back-up site in the event of any system failures at the new Fire Com center, providing a new redundancy capability for the 911 system that does currently exist.