Harrison County accepts $750,000 homeland security grant for new tower equipment, approves short-term lease financing for remaining cost

A presenter to the Harrison County Commissioners Court said the county was awarded $750,000 in homeland security grant funds toward an additional radio tower meant to improve coverage in the county’s northwest corner. "We got, a homeland security grant for an additional tower, and we were awarded $750,000," the presenter said.

Officials told the court the award covers part of the project but leaves approximately $337,000 short of the total equipment cost; TxDOT will handle the tower, while Harrison County will be responsible for the communications equipment. To avoid an imminent price increase of roughly 10% the presenter said would take effect if documents were not signed by close of business, the court approved entering into a lease financing arrangement for the equipment with the intent to pay off the balance within a year when the project is budgeted and complete. Commissioners approved the financing motion unanimously.

Why it matters: The equipment will expand emergency communications capacity in the county’s northwest and is tied to federal and state grant administration. Approving short-term financing preserves current pricing and allows the project to move forward while staff pursue reimbursement.

Details and next steps: The presenters noted the financing documents include a specific first-payment date and that the county could pay the lease early to avoid interest. Staff said the $750,000 will come through ETCOG as the grant pass-through. The county plans to budget to repay the financed portion during the next fiscal process and to complete the project within the upcoming year.