The first broadcast of the new statewide radio network was launched Wednesday in Scottsbluff. The network took years of planning and millions of dollars in federal and state funds but is now ready to benefit state agencies.

Governor Heineman says, "The interoperability that's most important here is so critical in terms of efficiency and most importantly, public safety."

The network will allow first responders across all levels of government, from border to border, to talk to one another, something that's never been seen in any state in the country.

Governor Heineman adds, "Lets say we have a forest fire, we have a tornado, we have a law enforcement incident, we're all going to be able to talk together and lets say law enforcement's involved in a manhunt moving east to west or west to east across our state, they'll be able to talk and they've never been able to do that before."

One utility that will benefit from the network is the Nebraska Public Power District.

Ron Asche, President and CEO of NPPD, says, "NPPD's moto is 'Always There When You Need Us.' and the statewide radio system will help our employees achieve that."

The phase one kickoff is one of four phases that will be implemented throughout the next year and half, completing the statewide radio network in December 2010.

The border-to-border connection will make Nebraska a model the Governor hopes will be used by other states for years to come.