JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The county Board of Mayor & Commissioners (BoMC) recently gave the go ahead in the application of a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) regarding the local Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
According to Marion County Mayor David Jackson, the grant pertains to the construction of a brand new facility within Jasper for the EMA. The grant in question is for $1 million with a 14% match of $140,000, the estimated cost of the project set to be $875,000.
Jackson explained the funds would be used to financially support the newly planned project, as the EMA aims to relocate closer to downtown Jasper in the backside parking lot of the Marion County Election Commission building off 2nd Street.
“Currently, our Emergency Management really has no place to park their vehicles,” said Jackson. “They have a small shed which they use behind Juvenile Court.”
The new facility aims to not only provide a larger work space and parking for all EMA staff, but also feature a new warming center during the events of severe winter weather. The warming center will include generator-operated heaters that will provide heat to those in need during winter storms, such as the recently hit Winter Storm Fern.
“I recommend we apply for this grant,” said Jackson. “If we get the $1 million and spend the $140,000, it would be well worth it.”
When asked by Commissioner Ruric Brandt regarding the EMA’s current infrastructure, particuarlily the facility’s radio tower, Jackson clarified a new tower would be constructed for the new facility. All other assets within the EMA’S current location would be relocated once construction was complete.
The BoMC ultimately agreed to apply for the CDBG grant, signaling the first step for a potentially brand new project within the community.