The lack of integrated communication links between Seattle area emergency operations centers (EOCs) was discussed at a series of workshops and meetings during the Seattle MMDI project deployment. As a result of these discussions, radios that operate on the same frequencies were purchased under the Seattle Smart Trek project and initiated the first step toward effective, cooperative emergency communications in the region. The total capital cost for the project including equipment and planning/development costs were $151,700. A total of 16 radios were purchased. Four for the Northwest Region EOCs: King County, Snohomish County, Seattle, and Bellevue. Four for San Juan, Island, Whatcom, and Skagit Counties; however, repeater sites needed upgrading before radio installation. Eight radios were purchased for the Olympic region counties along with 3 repeater stations to handle the additional radio traffic. The Lifeline Route Plan ties all state, county, and local plans for clearing routes, to hospitals, for example, for the first 72 hours after a disaster. Maintenance costs for the communication system are approximately 5% of the radio and repeater equipment costs ($2,860). All costs are constant 1998 dollars.