NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Commission and county Office of Emergency Management are continuing with plans to upgrade the county’s emergency 911 system.

Commissioners, during their meeting Thursday, agreed to advertise for bids for the installation of a new 911 radio console system, Next generation 911 CPE Telephony System with text to 911 integration.

Jeremy Ober, director of the Office of Emergency Management, explained this will be the second phase of the county’s efforts to upgrade its equipment.

“This is the next step,” Ober said.

Funds for the project are being provided through a grant the county received last year from Gov. Jim Justice.

Commissioners announced in December the county had received $2.73 million in CARES Act funding from the governor, with plans to upgrade its 911 system.

The first phase of the project involved the installation of a microwave-based communication system.

Pre-bid packages for the system may be picked up at the County Commission Office, beginning Wednesday.

Bids will be accepted until noon on Sept. 8.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)