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By Robert Sorrell
Star Correspondent

Carter County commissioners received good news Monday evening regarding a key component of a new multimillion-dollar radio communications system.

Mark Ridings, the county’s communications director, informed the commission that issues concerning White Rock have been resolved. The federal government has designated the high-elevation site between Hampton and Roan Mountain as a communications site rather than a fire tower.

In late 2024, the commission learned the federal government had not approved the use of White Rock for a communications tower, although Carter County had used the site for a couple of decades. White Rock, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, sits at about 4,100 feet above sea level.

Without the use of White Rock, which had been used by individuals to spot smoke and fires in the 20th century, it could have been difficult to establish a Motorola communications tower at a similar site.

With the federal government’s approval, Ridings said, “That’s a great step forward.”

Ridings said he has also started ordering the new radios, as well as the new tower and shelter for White Rock.

In addition, he said Motorola will soon return to the site to ensure it is ready for equipment installation. Officials will access White Rock from the end of Bitter End Road, he said.

The commission previously approved a motion to sign a contract with the communications company to install the new radio system.

The goal of the new system is to allow first responders to communicate in remote and rugged sections of the county where communication is currently not possible.

Carter County officials plan to use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was developed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds must be spent by Dec. 26, 2026, according to the mayor.