Motherlode - A $13 million microwave communications system is being pursed by law enforcement from two local counties in order to improve information access by patrol cars in the field. Representative from the Alpine and Calaveras police departments flew to Washington, DC last week in hopes of securing federal funds. The new system would effectively cut out the middle man and allow patrol officers in the field to directly check on drivers rather than radio back to a dispatch center. Alpine and Calaveras counties are making a cooperative effort to secure funding for the first stage of the project, but plans will eventually include Amador, Mariposa and Mono counties. Amador County Sheriff Deputies can verify that communicating with a dispatch center can be difficult considering the variable terrain of the foothills. Law enforcement is hoping that expansions in the availability of grant funding through the federal government will help to improve communications challenges as well as other under budgeted areas of local law enforcement. There is now word from Washington as to whether these funds have been approved. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.