Maverick County Emergency Operations Center to be built

By: Jose G. Landa

Maverick County Commissioners Court is expected to approve the design and advertisement of request for bids to construct the Maverick County Emergency Operations Center at its meeting today, Thursday, November 29, 2013, at 5 p.m.

The Maverick County Emergency Operations Center arose from the availability of federal funds from the United States Department of Homeland Security during 2007 and the tragic April 24, 2007 tornado which hit the Rosita Valley area in southern Maverick County which killed eight persons.

The Maverick County Emergency Operations Center project is expected to be built on real property owned by Maverick County at the Radar Base adjacent to the Maverick County Detention Center-GEO on Farm to Market Road 131. The estimated cost of the project is $ 1 million with Maverick County contributing the real property and preparation of the land for construction and U.S. Department of Homeland Security providing a grant to the Middle Rio Grande Development Council for the design and construction of the much needed project in the community.

The Maverick County Emergency Operations Center will serve as the headquarters for all local emergency preparedness agencies as well as serve as the central command center for any county or regional emergency.

After the initial phase is constructed, Middle Rio Grande Development Council, Maverick County, City of Eagle Pass, and various federal agencies will seek funding to develop, construct, and operate a regional law enforcement academy, training center, and firing range.