ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — In Tompkins County, you can soon text 911.

Legislators approved spending over 37 thousand dollars on a five-year contract with Intrado Life and Safety Solutions Corporation, which will run through 2028. The approval also includes “a sum of six-thousand-fifty dollars ($6,050.00) one-time setup fee, for a sum of twelve-thousand-three-hundred-twenty dollars ($12,320.00) for year one (1), and a sum of six-thousand-two-hundred-seventy dollars ($6,270.00) annually for the remaining four (4) years,” according to language in the resolution.

It allows 911 operators to receive text messages from people in need who are unable to call directly. Tuesday’s vote was unanimous.