ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – County officials are working to establish an Emergency Response and Preparedness Complex to address what the county identified as a critical need for improved emergency response infrastructure.
According to a letter drafted by Intergovernmental Affairs Director Adam Tecler addressed to the county commission for the upcoming county commission meeting, there is currently a lack of an adequate Fire Rescue Training Facility for first responders.
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The letter also details a partnership between the Florida National Guard and the St. Johns County Airport Authority. It outlines the cooperative effort to develop the complex, which will include an All-Hazards Regional Training Facility, Swiftwater Rescue Facility, Unified Command Center, and an Emergency Operational Staging Area.
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The county reports that this partnership aims to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities by leveraging state, federal, and private funding opportunities.
St. Johns County has already secured $7.5 million from the State of Florida and plans to continue seeking funding.
The letter is listed as the third agenda item in the upcoming county commission meeting on Feb. 18. The letter reads that it is the foundation for a more formal agreement, which will address the management and staffing of the facilities and the federal authorizations required for the project.