During this week’s meeting, Barton County Communications provided an update on a successful grant award that will enhance emergency response capabilities across the county’s schools.

Dena Popp, 911 Director, announced that Barton County has been selected to receive funding through the State 911 Board’s Critical Facility Mapping Grant Program. The program supports the creation of detailed indoor and outdoor maps for K-12 schools to improve emergency response, planning, and integration with next-generation 911 systems.

Initially, the program funded mapping for a limited number of schools per county. However, through continued participation and coordination, Barton County was ultimately approved to map all 18 K-12 schools within the county.

Popp explained that the mapping process involves on-site visits where facilities are carefully documented, including layouts, access points, and key features that may be critical during an emergency. These standardized maps will provide first responders with accurate, real-time information, helping them respond more effectively in critical situations.

The project is fully funded through the grant, resulting in no cost to Barton County for the initial mapping. Once completed, the maps will be accessible to local emergency responders and school officials, ensuring consistent and reliable information across agencies.

For security reasons, these maps won’t be available to the general public.

“The actual map itself is not owned by Barton County,” Popp said. “It is actually owned by the Kansas Legislature. Obviously, we get a copy, the school gets a copy, but beyond that, there’s nothing that I can disseminate.”

Popp noted that this initiative represents a significant step forward in public safety for Barton County, providing tools that can improve coordination, response times, and overall preparedness in emergency situations.

“All in all, it’s an amazing project. I do think it would be beneficial to our responders here in Barton County.”

The mapping project is currently in its final stages, with completion expected in the coming months.

“The goal was that it has to be completed and all funding submitted by June 30.”

The state grant of $1 million has now been accounted for and a second round is in the works, she said. Not all schools knew about the grant or took advantage of it. If there is a second round of funding not fully used by K-12 schools, there is a possibility this service could be opened up to other public buildings, such as the courthouse or community centers where large gatherings might take place.

Additional reporting by Susan Thacker, Great Bend Tribune.