Authority: §§ 18.2-308.2:2, 19.2-387, 19.2-388, 27-55, 52-4, 52-4.4, 52-8.5, 52-12, 52-13, 52-15, 52-16, 52-25 and 52-31 through 52-34, Code of Virginia.

A. There is hereby reappropriated the unexpended balances of funding for communications equipment remaining at the close of business on June 30, 1998, in the appropriation for Item 446, Chapter 924, Acts of Assembly of 1997, in the subprogram Telecommunications, and the balances remaining in this subprogram on June 30, 1999.

B. Included in this appropriation is $250,000 the first year from the general fund to allow the Department to contract for a study to provide greater detail on the feasibility and costs associated with developing and implementing a new radio communications system. The study should include an analysis of the costs and feasibility of leasing such a system and explore all alternative-financing options, and identify the long-term communication needs of other state agencies. The agency's findings shall be reported to the Secretary of Public Safety and the Chairmen of the Senate Finance, House Appropriations, and House Finance Committees by October 31, 1998.