Work was under way Sept. 9 for a 180-foot tower being constructed in Bonney Lake.

The tower is part of the city’s new 800-MHz communications system.

Police Chief Mike Mitchell and Assistant Chief Dana Powers watched as the first of the three-part tower section was hoisted to the concrete foundation by a large crane.

On May 26, Sabre Communication was awarded the contract for fabrications and installation of a monopole tower for the public safety radio system, internal city data transfers and possible rental for another carrier.

City Administrator Don Morrison said Sabre was chosen from the General Services Administration state/federal bid contractors list.

“Sabre has extensive background in building this type of structure and is recognized as a leader in this field,” he said.

The cost for the structure and installation is $118,169, which includes state sales tax.

Morrison said the project is being funded through several sources – $55,000 from Puyallup for dispatch services and a $24,000 Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, with the remaining $39,169 from the drug seizure fund.

The tower’s base is 60 inches in diameter and is designed to withstand 85 mph winds. Atop the structure is an 8-foot copper lightning rod.

The tower is off of the gravel parking lot at Ball Field No. 4 at Allen Yorke Park.