MIDDLEPORT, N.Y. (WBEN).....A decade long quest to upgrade first responders communications across Niagara County took one of its final steps.
Construction has started on a 180-foot tall communications tower that should upgrade first responders response time in the far eastern end of Niagara County.
Tucked into farmland along Griswold Street, the tower is the 13th new first responders communication tower that Niagara County has built since 2015.
"On its surface, most people won't give the tower much attention, but for this section of eastern Niagara County it is very important," said Michael Hill, Niagara County Legislature chairman. "It be the difference between life and death."
Niagara County has added the new towers, beginning in 2015.
Overall, the county invested $24 million in the project including $2.3 million to construct the Middleport tower.
The new tower should be read by mid-2027
"This is an important milestone in Niagara County," said Niagara County Sheriff Michael Fillcetti. "This more than just a tower you might see on the landscape. It is vitally important."
Funding for the entire tower project came from local, state and federal sources.
Niagara County finishing first responders communications tower plan
Niagara County finishing first responders communications tower plan
