The legislature authorized the pilot project in 1988, set a completion date of June 30, 1992 for the project's implementation in the southeastern part of the State, and in 1992 extended the completion deadline to June 30, 1994. The analysis revealed that problems in obtaining site permits were the main reason the project did not meet its original deadline. In addition, deadlines for developing contract specifications and awarding contracts were not met. However, three of the system's six major components were substantially installed as of October 1992. Total project implementation costs will exceed the May 1988 cost estimates by about $4 million (20 percent), due mainly to unexpectedly high costs for communication towers, equipment shelters, and computer equipment, as well as the 2 additional years of salaries. Therefore, issues that should be addressed if statewide implementation is to be accomplished effectively include the system's costs, the adequacy of the funding mechanism, the timetable for system implementation and the usefulness of the system for mutual aid communications. Figures, tables, footnotes, and appended glossary and related information