BLM authorizes new Mountain Home area communications facility to increase public safety
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CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah Cedar City Field Office has approved the construction and maintenance of a new communications facility in the Mountain Home area to improve public safety. Utah Communications Authority has proposed the site to expand western Beaver and southwestern Millard counties’ radio coverage for the Utah Highway Patrol, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, other local and state public safety agencies, as well as federal law enforcement.
“Since there is little-to-no radio coverage in the area, Utah Communications Authority’s new site would enhance officer, first responder, and public safety in the Pine and Hamlin valley areas,” said BLM Utah Cedar City Field Manager Paul Briggs. “The safety benefits this new facility will bring can be achieved, while also ensuring we continue to prioritize our multiple-use mission of caring for our public lands.”
Currently, Utah Communications Authority relies on its Frisco Peak communications site, which is located two mountain ranges to the east and provides extremely limited coverage to these areas. This project would result in a new facility including upgrades to provide sufficient solar power generation and battery capacity to provide the energy required by the equipment. Once the new facility is complete, the original footprint will be reclaimed.
Due to the elevation of the project, construction is anticipated to start later this year, depending on weather. The project should take approximately 30 days to complete.
Infrastructure priorities are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to Build Back Better and a strong infrastructure has always been a goal for the BLM. For more information, please visit the project website at https://go.usa.gov/xzgrY.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.