New tower to aid emergency services communications

Special to The Vindicator

NEW CASTLE, PA.

A new 300-foot tower is expected to improve emergency communications for police and fire personnel in low-lying areas of Lawrence County.

Lawrence County Commissioner Steve Craig said that the tower will be erected near the intersection of Pa. Routes 388 and 108 in Hickory Township, which is one of the highest points in Lawrence County.

At Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners approved a 99-year lease for the property where the tower will be built. Hickory Township owns the property, which is in Spartan Park and essentially donated the land in exchange for a one dollar payment from the county.

Craig said after the meeting that the tower will improve communications in low-lying areas like Portersville and Slippery Rock Creek. The tower will be paid for through wireless 911 fees paid by cell-phone users. County Director of Public Safety Brian Melcer said the tower should be up by the end of the year.