Barnett Knob Repeater Station:

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians maintains equipment and locations for its two-way communications for police, fire, EMS, and emergency management and other public safety agencies.  The equipment is presently working on analog systems and will soon be upgraded to digital technology to meet new demands of services and create communication efficiencies.  A weather resistant building and possibly a new tower will be installed at the top of Barnett Knob.  Negotiations with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Park Service are underway to locate the new facility that will replace the dilapidated building that now houses the communication equipment.  A pre-cast concrete building for this project has been ordered and will be installed when approval is provided to the Tribe by the BIA and National Park Service.  This summer an environmental assessment is being conducted to assess potential threats to the site.  Funding is being provided by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  Assistance is being provided to this project by Tribal Facilities Management’s Tribal Development and Construction department.