Christian-Baker Company

WLOX-TV Biloxi, MS (8/18) reported on its website that Mississippi "will get $70 million to improve emergency communications capabilities among the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, law enforcement and other first responders, Gov. Haley Barbour announced Wednesday." The grant was awarded by the US Department of Commerce as part of the second round of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds will be used to "upgrade the current Mississippi Wireless Information Network, which allows public safety agencies statewide to contact each other through radio systems clearly and quickly. The grant will enable first responders to transmit data wirelessly as needed. The program will serve 90 hospitals, 340 ambulances and up to 9,900 public safety workers in Mississippi." The system is currently operational in one-third the state, and should be fully operational statewide by December 2011.

WMSV-TV Nashville, TN (8/18) reported, "The Army Corps of Engineers is communicating with the US Geological Survey, National Weather Service, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Metro Emergency Management is preparation for predicted severe weather. Heavy rain and possible flash flooding are expected in Nashville." The National Weather Service "forecasts a 30-foot crest of the Cumberland River at 7 p.m. Thursday, which is a 10-foot rise. The crest in May was 51.86 feet." Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said, "There have been no reports of flooding in Davidson County as of yet," but added, "Our Emergency Management staff is monitoring this situation closely, keeping a close eye on the areas that flooded first back in May. Our first responders are prepared to be deployed to any emergency situation that may arise."