The Marion County 911/ESDA Committee heard the first presentation on installing a new county-wide tornado warning system. Federal Siren proposed 23 new sirens and the reuse of the more recently installed Central City siren at a cost of $742,828.
Committee Chair Steve Whritenour says Federal has replaced several other sirens as well that might still be usable with a new control panel to lower the cost.
The goal of the new system is to allow for sirens to be set off when warnings are in effect for only part of the county and to be activated by both the Salem and Centralia 911 dispatch centers.
At least two other companies will make proposals next month. The county board is hopeful grant money will be available to help complete the project.
