A $100,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will open new pathways of information for Limestone County government.

Congressman Parker Griffith Friday announced funding for the Limestone County Voice Over Internet Protocol Network.

County Information Technology Director David Freeman said the funds would be used to enhance current VOIP capabilities.

“For one thing it will allow us to connect all county buildings with fiber optic cable,” said Freeman. “We will install a system of digital signs throughout county buildings to relay information and directions. The signs will let visitor know what is happening in other parts of the courthouse, tell what floor certain hearings are being held on and list actual cases and where they are on the docket. We can also notify employees and others of inclement weather.”

Freeman said the grant would also fund overhead screens and monitors for both the County Commission meeting room at the Washington Street and Clinton Street courthouse annexes on which agenda items would be shown.

“Another use for this is videoing and streaming work sessions and commission meetings through our Web site,” he said. “That way, people who cannot attend meetings can be informed.”

Limestone anticipates more than 600 prisoners will be arraigned each year over the enhanced VOIP system, saving the county more than $87,000 annually in extra security costs. Local sources will provide $122,000 for the project, bringing total funding to $222,000.

In February, Circuit Judges Jimmy Woodroof and Bob Baker, and District Judges Jeanne Anderson and Jerry Batts announced that using VOIP technology they could preside at initial inmate hearings without having to transport the inmates to the courthouse.

An average of 40 inmates a week are transported from the Limestone County Jail to the courthouse for an initial hearing for those who haven’t been released on bond. According to jail officials it takes at least two jailers to get them ready for the trip, transport them in a van and guard them at the courthouse. The process is both time and manpower-intensive, which leads to more expense for the county.

Instead of having to reserve or clear a courtroom to process waiting inmates in their initial hearings, the judges can use the equipment to connect directly with the jail, eliminating the need to bring the inmates to the courthouse.

“I am pleased Limestone County received this funding,” Griffith said. “This grant will streamline information sharing within the county and pay for itself in less than two years. We are thankful for the hard work performed day-in and day-out here in Athens and surrounding areas, and I am glad Limestone County is receiving the tools they need to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.”

A central focus is expanded user information sharing and storage between divisions of local government and other public service agencies.

ARC funding for this project is provided through a special ARC regional initiative, which targets funds to encourage and support telecommunications applications within governments.