Funding for new operations center being discussed in Jackson County
Working to keep the people of Jackson County safe during severe weather, funding for a new emergency operations center is being discussed.
The current Jackson County Emergency Operations Center is in a flood plain and has sustained significant damage in hurricanes and various storms.
Today’s public hearing explained the ‘Katrina Supplemental Community Development Block Grant Program’ allowing for public comment.
The state of Mississippi has received $5.48 billion in CDBG funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development since 2006.
The new projected facility would be built off Highway 57 near Sunplex Industrial Park and is expected to cost $7 million.
The last day for public comment on the county’s plans for CDBG funding is end of day this Friday, August 19th. Jackson County Administrator Brian Fulton said, “It’s super important, I mean, that’s where the emergency responders come, that’s where all the people come to manage the disaster and manage the emergency. So, it’s so important to have a place that they can come, the technology is there, the people can gather there, and make critical decisions in that time. We’ll thank the state of Mississippi for reaching out to us and asking us to apply for this funding and hopefully we’ll be able to receive it and build a structure that we can all be proud of for many, many years to come.”
The new project would house the emergency operation center and the fire department offices as well.
