Gov. Olene Walker today announced the "Walker Work Plan" to guide her work as Utah's fifteenth governor. With a focus on productivity, Walker identified three priorities she aims to begin work on immediately. The priorities include: maximizing human potential; working smarter; and improving Utah, today and tomorrow.

"Now is the time to work together as citizens of this great state," said Walker. "I am committed to accomplishing great things to enhance the lives of Utah citizens and to ensure a solid foundation for our future."

Under the priority, maximizing human potential, Walker will focus on areas such as education, higher education, literacy and Utah’s youth. Walker noted strong financial stewardship and 24/7 e-government are cornerstones of working smarter. In order to improve Utah, today and tomorrow, the governor will stress the importance of public safety, economic development, recreation, natural resources, family, communities and culture.

Walker said, "In the following weeks and months, I will break ground on and celebrate projects that fall under my plan. I am excited to get to work."

The governor launched her first project under the "Walker Work Plan." Emphasizing public safety, Walker signed an executive order to create the Utah Wireless Integration Network (UWIN) Board. The board will ensure law enforcement, emergency responders, health officials and others can effectively communicate with one another via wireless technology.

 "We live in a wireless world and I want Utahns to know their safety and well-being will be enhanced as we bridge the gap between multiple agencies and through geographic boundaries," said Walker. "Together, we will work to ensure our various technologies and systems can 'talk to each other.' Effective communication is the key to successfully preventing and responding to any public safety threat."

The first phase of statewide interoperability will be complete by July 2004.

State and local government have received new wireless spectrum allocations that will enable cost-effective and innovative solutions to public health, safety, and education needs. The UWIN board will ensure that these solutions can be shared and accessed appropriately by emergency responders and other authorized service providers.

UWIN is a collaborative entity made up of several entities including the Utah Department of Public Safety, the Utah Division of Information Technology, public and higher education, the Utah National Guard, the Utah Department of Health, and local law enforcement and fire associations.

11:57:16 AM