Governor Kaine Signs Executive Order on Communications Interoperability

Governor Kaine Signs Executive Order on Communications Interoperability

- Part of Hampton Roads Cabinet Community Day -

SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today ceremonially signed an Executive Order establishing a State Interoperability Executive Committee to help coordinate the Commonwealth's efforts to allow public safety agencies to communicate with one another through secure and reliable communications programs and systems. Executive Order 30 was signed at Norfolk International Terminal.

The ceremonial event was part of Governor Kaine's Hampton Roads Cabinet Community Day. Over the course of the four-year administration, the Governor will hold Cabinet meetings and tour different regions across the Commonwealth. He plans to hold four meetings a year, visiting eight regions of the state twice over the course of the administration.

"During last fall's campaign, I promised to take the state government on the road to every part of Virginia. We are here to do a number of things today -- the most important of which is to listen," said Governor Kaine. "Today's Cabinet Community Day is the first of many we will do throughout my administration, touching every part of Virginia. I am convinced that by listening to people on the ground, people who will share their experience and perspective, we will be in a position to serve them better."

Members of the Governor's Cabinet individually scheduled an array of meetings and public events across the region. The day began with a Cabinet meeting at Paul D. Camp Community College in the City of Franklin, where administration officials briefed the Governor and members of the public on workforce training, transportation, homeland security, and economic development issues.

The Governor also visited a successful early childhood program in Portsmouth, toured the Port of Hampton Roads by boat, signed Executive Order #30, hiked the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail in Chesapeake, and planned to end the day at Norfolk State University at a reception honoring the school's new president, Carolyn Meyers.

The State Interoperability Executive Committee will continue to keep relevant organizations involved in decisions on interoperable communication efforts. The SIEC will be comprised of various associations that represent the local first responder perspective, a critical element that allows the SIEC to serve as a voice for that community.

"Simply put, this is another step in our work to ensure that information can be rapidly used and exchanged by all who respond to an emergency," Governor Kaine said. "Virginia is already a national leader in this area: The STARS radio system is already being implemented, a dramatic upgrade of Virginia's communication capability with 20 state agencies, and with the potential to easily link-up with local agencies.

The State Interoperability Executive Committee will recommend an approach of Virginia interoperability efforts, evaluate progress and approve changes in direction and scope for the overall strategy. The SIEC will report on the status of the strategic plan for Statewide Communications Interoperability to the Governor and General Assembly by November 1 of each year.

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