Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive order to establish a state-wide communications systems that will allow all agencies and response personnel to use a single radio system. The Baltimore Sun reports that proposals to build the system will be requested, and an executive committee established to oversee its construction and operation. The system will be funded partially by a $22.9 million federal grant.

The project will take approximately five to eight years to complete and will include building 12 towers, laying fiber optic cable and connecting 911 centers and hospitals statewide.