This project supports the installation of a 450-foot communications tower near the Public Safety Radio System (PSRS) equipment shelter to replace the GenOn smokestack. The tower will support the antennas and microwave dishes for the PSRS.

Installation is anticipated in calendar year 2026 pending negotiations to remain on the existing smokestack with a long-term lease agreement.

The Public Safety Radio System (PSRS) has 22 antenna sites located around the County to optimize coverage for all Public Safety workers. One of the sites covers the Dickerson area of the County. The PSRS communication site is located on the GenOn property, which is in the process of shutting down. At the time of planning and construction (years 2016 - 2018), information was not available about the GenOn location closing. The PSRS antennas (4) and microwave dishes (2) are located at the 420-foot mark on the 700-foot-tall smoke stack.
For over 20 years, the County has operated at the Dickerson power plant's smoke tower on Martinsburg Road because it was an optimum site for mounting antennas and providing the coverage needed in this portion of the County including the Potomac River. Additionally, the new communications equipment shelter is located at that site as part of the recent activation of the P25 radio system.

In FY22, $100,000 in Current Revenue: General and $1,900,000 in G.O. Bonds was transferred from the Public Safety System Modernization (PSSM) project to this project.

Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), Department of General Services