Rep. Panetta Announces $682,000 in Federal Funding for the City of Scotts Valley’s Public Safety Answering Point Radio Equipment Project
Scotts Valley, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta was joined by Scotts Valley Mayor Donna Lind, Police Chief Jayson Rutherford, Chamber of Commerce President Victor Alejandro, and state representatives to announce $682,000 in federal funding for the City of Scotts Valley to purchase a new state-of-the-art dual analog digital encrypted radio system for the Scotts Valley Police Department. This federal investment will improve emergency services coordination and increase public safety by giving police officers and first responders the resources they need to continue to respond in times of crisis.
“Although Scotts Valley’s first responders do a tremendous job keeping our community safe, the city’s outdated communication system can limit their ability,” said Rep. Panetta. “By investing in updated, state-of-the-art radio equipment, our emergency responders will have the tools that they need to protect and serve our families. I’m proud to secure this federal funding for this local project and ensure that the federal government uses the power of the purse to enhance our public safety.”
“As Mayor, I’m proud that Scotts Valley has consistently been ranked one of the safest communities in California. Our Police Officers and Dispatchers work tirelessly every day to keep it that way. Having the latest communication equipment is critical to keeping them safe and our community safe,” said Mayor Donna Lind, a retired Scotts Valley Police Sergeant. “We are so grateful to Congressman Panetta for securing this funding to ensure our Police Department can continue to protect our community.”
“On behalf of the Scotts Valley Police Department, we are excited to receive this Community Project Funding to replace our outdated and non-compliant dispatch systems. Our current radio system does not meet State and Federal mandates, but with this funding, we will be able to provide the most up to date equipment for our dispatch center,” said Police Chief Rutheford. “Our officers will have better radio coverage, thereby increasing officer safety. The new equipment will also provide for better radio communication with our allied agencies, which is imperative when responding and managing critical incidents. I want to thank Congressman Panetta for recognizing the importance of having reliable, interoperative radio systems and prioritizing this critical equipment for first responders.”
Specifically, the funding will replace an outdated analog system with a dual analog–digital encrypted P25 radio system, improving interoperability with federal, state, and local agencies and enhancing public safety operations. The upgrade aims to improve interoperability with surrounding agencies, especially in crisis situations. This will allow the department to properly encrypt radios the way many other federal, state, and other local agencies do currently.
Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package, For FY 2026, he secured $5.92 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Cruz County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19th Congressional District.
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