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insurance policies. Through a distribution formula, based on population and potential of damage, each of the 67 counties receives an appropriation. Additionally, nearly $9001000 is set aside for competitive municipal grants. The balance of these unspent funds is offered as a second redistribution to counties who are successfully meeting the grant requirements. Indian River County is being offered an additional $3,081 which will be subject to the same provisions detailed in the original contractual agreement. Staff proposes to use these additional funds for the expansion of the SATCOM communications system. For many years, the IRC Division of Emergency Management has provided a unique telephone -type (NAWAS--National Warning System) link from both our office and the 911 Center to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) for the purpose of receiving timely informational and emergency voice communications. In January of this year, state and federal funding for those agencies' financial share of the NAWAS circuit discontinued. As a replacement, Florida agencies have switched to a satellite -based communications link (SATCOM). Presently, this office has digital SATCOM uplink/downlink capabilities funded by the EMPA Grant. The 911 Center, which serves as our after hours receiving facility and secondary Emergency Operations Center, has lost this necessary communications link. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS: Staff has met with the contractor chosen to.design and install the County -owned fiber optic network and he suggests that a portion of the fiber network dedicated to this office could be utilized to make this SATCOM connection. Staff recommends that the additional grant funds be utilized to purchase the required attachments to connect the Emergency Management SATCOM equipment to existing equipment located in the 911 Center. This would reinstate the 24 hour answering capabilities requisite for timely continuity between Indian River County and outside agencies. Should the County decide not to accept the secondary redistribution funds, they will remain with the Florida Department of Community Affairs for use by other counties in the State. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Board approve Modif ication # 1 to the Emergency Management, Preparedness and Assistance Agreement thereby authorizing the Chairman to execute the necessary documents to secure the additional• funding of $3,081, which increases the total EMPA funds available -to $71,616. ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by Commissioner Bird, the Board unanimously approved Modification #1 to the Emergency Management, Preparedness and Assistance Agreement, as recommended in the memorandum. COPY OF PARTIALLY EXECUTED MODIFICATION IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD 59 April 9, 1996 Bou 97 EASE 786