"There is nothing more important than protecting our people," said Baldacci. "The committee I am establishing will develop a plan for improving communications infrastructure that meets the needs of all levels of government and those in the private sector we partner with to protect the health and welfare of Mainers."
In the post-9/11 world, an increasing focus of state and national policy has been ensuring an effective interoperable communications system is in place to respond to emergencies of all kinds.
The committee established under Governor Baldacci's Executive Order includes many state agency department heads as well as representatives from public and private health and safety groups. A preliminary report is due by Oct. 1, 2007, and a final report is due no later than Dec. 31, 2007.