Radios for NHP still don’t work

Friday, April 9, 2004 | 9:48 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- More delays are being experienced in Clark County in the $14 million project to switch the radio frequencies of the Nevada Highway Patrol, which are now operating on illegal channels.

The work was supposed to be completed by the end of February and then by the end of March.

Robert Chisel, assistant director of the state Transportation Department, told the Legislative Interim Finance Committee the "optimistic" date is within six weeks but it could be several months before the job is completed.

The Highway Patrol has been using 150-megahertz frequencies for which it did not have authorization from the Federal Communications Commission. The federal agency told the patrol to get off those frequencies, which were licensed to others.

The Transportation Department has an 800-megahertz system that is being expanded to accommodate the Hghway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, cut Chisel and others cited engineering problems in getting the new system to work for the Highway Patrol.

The switchover has been completed in Washoe County.

Highway Patrol Chief David Hosmer said workers "have been struggling to find a way to change. It will work eventually."

Until all of the engineering and other problems are solved, he said, "I will not put officers and others and the public at jeopardy."

Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas, complained that the new radio system doesn't work.

"It means the difference between life and death," she said.

Hosmer said the FCC is waiting to see when the state will get off the unauthorized channels. When that happens, the FCC could take disciplinary action, possibly a fine.

"The hammer is still hanging out there," Hosmer said.

Officials said they would not ask for more money to complete the project.