King County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit Upgrade Program
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
The King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit Upgrade Program will allow the King County Sheriff’s Office to complete upgrades on one of its two rescue helicopters. Funding would be used for upgraded transmission, upgraded main rotor blades for use with the new transmission, and upgraded electronics and avionics. Currently, the helicopter in question is facing diminished lift capacity on hot days, impacted stability and lift capacity, and impacted hoist operations of multiple subjects. The rescue aircraft is used for rescue missions throughout the state, quick strike firefighting operations, responding to major disasters in the state, and transporting SWAT and specialty units to high-risk situations. The project is a good use of taxpayer funds because it will ensure the King County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to conduct rescue operations throughout the state, respond to major disasters, and transport SWAT and specialty police units to high-risk situations. The King County Sheriff’s Office’s helicopter air unit is the only full-time patrol and rescue unit in the state.
Federal Nexus: Section 501 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. § 10381(b)(8)).