(CENTREVILLE) – The St. Joseph County Commission has approved an interlocal agreement for better 911 service.

During last week's meeting the County Commissioners voted in favor of the interlocal agreement with Cass County. St. Joseph County Central Dispatch Director Dennis Brandenburg presented the proposal, which calls for the counties to build and then equip a radio communications tower. Each county would pay half of the $1.8 million construction cost, along with half of the maintenance and utility costs.

The new tower will be constructed on Baldwin Prairie Road, just north of the Porter Township Hall in the southeast section of Cass County. The Cass County Commission approved their part of the agreement during their meeting on Monday.

No date has been set for construction of the tower. Environmental studies have to be done, and the Federal Aviation Administration must give permission as well.

According to the agreement, St. Joseph County will make yearly payments of just over $192,000 for a period of five years to take care of the construction costs. Maintenance and utility costs won't be known until after the tower has been erected and put into use.