CLARKSTON, WA – According to Asotin County Emergency Management, roughly one-third of the county currently has limited or no radio communication coverage. Officials say this creates serious safety challenges during emergencies, such as the Snake River Fire south of Asotin last month, when response efforts were hindered by a lack of reliable communication between responders and dispatch.

To address these gaps, the county is proposing a one-tenth of one percent sales tax dedicated solely to funding emergency communications. If approved, the measure would expand radio infrastructure to improve coverage for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, and the public.

Voters will consider the sales tax proposition in the November General Election.