LOS ANGELES (AP) The federal government has suspended $154 million in funding for a troubled Los Angeles County emergency system and ordered work to stop immediately.

The feds suspended a grant covering most costs on April 3, saying the project is severely behind schedule.

The project envisions a vast communications system that police and firefighters could use during earthquakes and other emergencies. But some cities have dropped out and only 15 of some 200 planned communications towers have been built.

Opponents have health concerns about the towers, and the Los Angeles City Council voted to stop tower construction at fire and police stations.

The feds gave the county until April 13 to come up with a new plan for completing the system. County officials said they’ll meet the deadline.

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