Through the FEMA State and Local Programs/Emergency Operations Center Account, which will go to Scotland County, North Carolina.  This project will relocate the Scotland County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) from its location in the flood plain and adjacent to railroad, and expand and improve its 911 capabilities.  This self-contained EOC will allow for operation for 72 hours with essential EOC personnel onsite to respond to any incident.  The EOC will operate a unified command structure with appropriate communication infrastructure.  The center will also be used for training, a location for the distribution of public information, and for governmental meetings and activities.  The center will improve public safety, especially in times of major emergencies.  The EOC is just 300 yards from an active mainline railroad.  That railroad is the largest threat Scotland County faces on a daily basis from transport of hazardous waste, dangerous chemicals and explosives.  In addition, the EOC is merely a conference room in a County building, with limited telephone and computer network connectivity.  Scotland County is seeking to establish a primary emergency operations center (EOC) to provide for continuity of government, and direction and control of emergency operations.  The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency directs that EOCs be "survivable"; that is, have the ability to continue to function under any condition that would destroy or disable normal systems or structures.  Inadequate and outmoded, Scotland County's current EOC is located in a flood plain and adjacent to an active mainline railroad.  Analyses have shown that the railroad poses the greatest threat to the area because of the regular transport of hazardous materials.  These federal funds will help the County better meet FEMA standards by relocating the facility away from railroad and out of the flood plain, and equipping it with modern capabilities.  What is more, the Department of Homeland Security recognizes the need to improve state, local and tribal emergency management and preparedness by providing federal funds through its Emergency Operations Centers Grant Program.  The creek crossing's provision for significant east west connectivity serves as a major link for the City's emergency services personnel during emergency events that threaten local, statewide and national security. These funds may be used for construction projects and renovation initiatives, and will be sent to Laurinburg, NC (PO Box 489; Laurinburg, NC; 28353).

The project is a good use of taxpayers' money because, in its current location, the Scotland County Emergency Operations Center could be significantly compromised by a rail disaster or major flooding.  Should either occur, Scotland County could lose its ability to react and respond effectively to a catastrophic event.  Such a loss of command, communication and control would pose an unacceptably high risk to public safety in the City of Laurinburg and surrounding Scotland County.  These taxpayer funds will help Scotland County relocate and upgrade its emergency operations center and better preserve the safety of its residents.