WAYNESBORO, Pa. — The Washington Township Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a request from Blackskye Community Radio Inc. to install a community General Mobile Radio Service repeater on the Blue Ridge Fire Tower, marking a significant expansion of local radio communication capabilities.
The repeater will be hosted at no cost to the nonprofit organization, officials said, and is expected to dramatically improve signal coverage throughout Waynesboro and surrounding communities. The tower site sits at approximately 1,750 feet above sea level, providing a strategic elevation that allows for wider and more reliable transmission.
These radios are commonly used by residents, travelers and hobbyists for short-distance communication, particularly in areas where cellular service may be limited. The upgraded system is expected to enhance day-to-day connectivity as well as coordination during travel and outdoor activities.
Local leaders and organizers emphasized the broader public safety benefits of the project. During severe weather events, natural disasters or other emergencies, traditional communication networks can become unreliable or overwhelmed. The elevated repeater system will help ensure that community members and volunteer groups maintain access to dependable communication when it is needed most.
Blackskye Community Radio Inc., a nonprofit organization, focuses on building resilient communication infrastructure and promoting radio use as an accessible community resource. The group plans to begin installation planning in the coming months and will announce a timeline for activation once preparations are complete.
Township officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local preparedness and connectivity. Once operational, the repeater is expected to serve as a key communication tool for residents across the region.
