SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) Sioux Falls City Council may push the 2017 State Legislature to upgrade South Dakota's state-wide emergency radio system. It's one of Council's proposed legislative priorities for the next session in Pierre.
Councilor Christine Erickson says she has been talking with officials in other cities about the need to upgrade sooner rather than later.
"The sense was not to kick the can down the road. It's got a potential to be 40 percent more expensive down the road," Erickson briefed City Council during Tuesday's informational meeting. She said that the downtown building collapse is an example of how local first responders were able to use the radio system to quickly reach out to other communities for help.
But Governor Dennis Daugaard does not support an upgrade at this time. His spokesman has said that the current system will work fine for several more years.
Upgrade estimates run as high as $20 million.
"I know there's not a huge pulse with this administration right now, but I know there are many legislators looking at this in fear of what could happen if we don't do something and the expense down the road," said Erickson.
Sioux Falls City Council Tuesday night was scheduled to vote on 2017 state legislative priorities.