Statewide infrastructure, which includes 240 transmitter sites statewide, is estimated to cost $189 million over the build-out period of about four years.

In an effort to reduce the overall cost of construction, the State Highway Patrol is acting as prime contractor and will manage the subcontractors.

Cost avoidance opportunities for local agencies

Since the state is building the VIPER infrastructure, local agencies at the city and county level will be able to upgrade their communications systems and achieve interoperability without major outlay for infrastructure. Example:

Granville County obtained quotes to build a new county 800 MHz communication system prior to participating in VIPER. The estimate was $3.2 million for the infrastructure alone. Now, by partnering with VIPER, they only need to purchase the radios. Cost savings to Granville County = $3.2 million.