Adams State secures $523K in federal funding for emergency communications system

Adams State University recently received federal funding confirmation for the campus Incident Management Communications System.

Adams State secured funding for its Congressionally directed spending request for an Incident Management Communications System. The project will be funded at a level of $523,000. The request was included as part of the consolidated Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy & Water and Interior Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill which was signed into law on January 23, 2026.

“I was glad to secure over $500,000 for Adams State University to support their acquisition of a state-of-the-art two-way radio emergency communications system,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. “This funding will improve campus safety and emergency readiness for students as well as the greater Alamosa community.”

“Adams State University is grateful for the support to pass this bill,” Adams State President David Tandberg, Ph.D., said. “The need to provide a safe campus environment, especially in case of an emergency, is an utmost priority and we appreciate our elected officials realizing the importance of funding projects like our new communications system.”

Adams State Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Administration, Kevin Daniel, was instrumental in pursuing the funding. “Adams State is extremely grateful for the support from our Congressional representatives who supported our request. This project will greatly increase the safety and security of our campus by improving our emergency preparedness and response capabilities as well as our overall campus communications infrastructure.”

The funding will assist in procuring and implementing a state-of-the-art two-way radio emergency communications system. This project will provide the infrastructure and training support for instant communications across the campus-designated Incident Management safety team, Adams State Police Department, campus facilities and housing staff.

“Adams State’s emergency response system is about to get a major upgrade. That means better communication and faster response times to help keep students and the surrounding community safe. We’re thrilled to secure this win for Adams State and Alamosa!” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper.

Vice President of Student Affairs Savala DeVoge, Ed.D., chairs the Incident Management Committee. “The system has the capability to bridge into local first responders and law enforcement agencies during a crisis situation. This interoperable communications system is essential for emergency preparedness and life safety across our residential campus community.”

“The new system will create a sustainable infrastructure to bolster both the safety and emergency preparedness of our on-campus community and the surrounding region and community,” DeVoge added. “It will greatly improve the speed at which we can respond to emergencies, share vital information with first responders such as police, fire, or medical professionals throughout the region, and more effectively communicate through all aspects of any potential emergency.”