We heard about it after 9-11 and during Katrina and Rita--the lack of inter-operable communications systems for first responders. Louisiana now has a timetable for an interoperable system, and the governor is budgeting 34 million dollars to make it happen. Louisiana State police commander Col. Mike Edmondson says they've already tested the new system--more than once--and south Louisiana will be covered this coming hurricane season. Mark Cooper, state Emergency Operations director says local governments ARE going to have to pick up some of the tab, though--mostly the cost of buying the radios that work on the statewide emergency frequency. The Sheriffs Association, and Order of Chiefs of Police are also helping out with some of the costs.