KHMB Community Radio Receives $39k to Bolster and Enhance the Coastside’s Emergency Communications

AGENDA. From the San Mateo County Supervisors’ agenda for Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at 9:00am, as a hybrid meeting.

Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds, not to exceed $39,000, to KHMB Community Radio for equipment improvements to enhance communications and emergency information during climate events, and authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to execute the grant agreement. Sponsor: Ray Mueller, D3.

Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years.

PROJECT SUMMARY:

This is a request to authorize a grant to KHMB Community Radio and resulting grant agreement, in an amount not to exceed $39,000, to provide for equipment improvements to enhance communications and emergency information during climate events. The County Executive’s Office will administer and manage the proposed agreement.

The past three years of climate-related emergencies have revealed the coast’s fragile communications infrastructure and made evident the need to expand and bolster local radio communications.

KHMB operates public radio in the communities of Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. This proposal seeks to increase KHMB station resiliency and reach by replacing existing KHMB radio equipment to enhance emergency communications and information to residents across the coastside. For vulnerable rural areas, the public requires trusted communication and information during an emergency and cannot afford to have disruption of services. Specifically, KHMB proposes to use the Measure K funds on the following items:

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San Mateo County Board of Supervisors

Author: Coastside Buzz

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