(The following story by Richard Peterson appeared on the Great Falls Tribune website on September 19.)
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — BNSF and a state consortium have signed an agreement to allow some federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in Northern Montana to utilize the railroad’s communication towers and its up-to-date technologies to improve public safety.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by BNSF and the Northern Tier Interoperability Consortium on Tuesday in Whitefish.
The areas affected are the northern mountain region in the Glacier National Park area and northern communities along the Rocky Mountain Front. The pact will improve radio communications coverage on the long stretch of U.S. Highway 2 below Glacier Park, which currently does not have coverage, according to officials.
BNSF will allow four agencies to use its digital microwave networks and fiber optic communication systems at a substantially discounted rate, officials said. The company has been working toward an agreement with the agencies for the past 18 months, BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said.
“We all share the goal to provide enhanced voice and data services in this remote region. Everyone will benefit from the safety improvements,” Melonas said.
The state’s Public Safety Services Bureau has been working with BNSF on behalf of the NTIC and the Interoperability Montana Project to analyze technological solutions for improving responder effectiveness and safety in the region.
“This partnership with BNSF provides a marvelous opportunity to improve communications technology so that first responders can easily speak to each other in the event of an emergency,” said Glacier County Sheriff Wayne Dusterhoff, who also serves as chairman of the NTIC.
In addition to improved radio coverage near Glacier Park, under the agreement BNSF will serve as the manager for the Big Mountain communications site and will supply access, towers, generators and equipment shelters at Blue, King and Pinkham mountain sites.