There will be a public hearing held at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at the Jackson County Court House, room 101, to discuss upgrading communication equipment for the Jackson County rural fire departments. The Jackson County Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. immediately following the hearing in regular session.

On the agenda for consideration and possible action will be to adopt by resolution for the Jackson County Emergency Management to apply for a $75,000 grant on behalf of the Jackson County Fire Chief’s Association. The REAP (Rural Economic Action Plan) Grant is through the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA). If approved the $75,000 Grant will be used to install new and replace exiting communication equipment mounted on towers throughout the county (possible locations, Altus, Blair, Duke and Eldorado). This would make it possible for the rural fire departments to better communicate with each other and local authorities while responding to and fighting fires or other catastrophic disasters within the county. The better communications will save precious minutes in allowing the rural departments to respond faster and help to save lives and property.

This meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. For more informatin, contact your County Commissioner; Jerry Gibson, Jackson County Emergency Manager, 580-482-0229; or Lloyd Colston, Altus Emergency Manager, 580-482-8336.