County leadership approved an interlocal agreement Tuesday that will allow the Public Works Department to communicate better during an emergency.

The agreement between Island County and ICOM will increase the number of radio transmission “towers” from two to seven, allowing additional clarity and range, according to Matt Nienhuis, Island County Public Works ER&R manager.

The five additional “towers” will not involve new construction, Nienhuis said, but new equipment will be attached to existing structures.

The upgraded radio technology will be very similar to that used by Island Transit and emergency services and will serve as a backup network for the Island County Sheriff’s Department, Nienhuis said.

With only two towers available and spotty cell service, Public Works has had limited communication abilities.

“It will improve the day-to-day communications because of the clarity,” Nienhuis said. “It’s also important in an emergency; if a tower goes down, there’s more to rely upon.”