FUNDING PROVIDED IN THE HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT APPROVED TODAY IN THE HOUSE
 

Washington, Oct 15, 2009 - “Florida’s outstanding weather is one of its greatest resources, but our State also suffers from hurricanes, fires, and other storms,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). “Meeting the challenges of these emergencies requires a coordination center, and I sought this funding to construct a new Emergency Operations Center in Lake County. I am grateful that my request for $800,000 was included in the measure we approved today.”

The House today passed H.R. 2892, the Conference Report to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which includes $800,000 sought by Stearns for the Lake County Emergency Operations Center. Since this is a Conference Report reflecting the agreement of the House and the Senate, it will soon go to the President for his approval.

Explained Stearns, “Lake County does not have a full-time Emergency Operations Center, and in an emergency it takes hours to set up the current one. In 2004, the Center was activated for about two months during the hurricane season, and after-action reviews of the storms identified more than 100 deficiencies. The new Emergency Operations Center will help ensure the safe and secure operations during storms and other emergencies. This will enhance the safety of Lake County, as well as the State.”