U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was in Albion on August 18 to announce $2 million in congressionally directed spending that she secured to help construct a new Emergency Operations Center for Orleans County. The center has been operating out of a 1960s-era building and bomb shelter that has hindered its ability to serve approximately 40,600 people and 396 square miles in Orleans County. Gillibrand was joined by Lynne Johnson, Chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, and Justin Niederhofer, Director of Emergency Management at Orleans County Emergency Management.
“The Orleans County Emergency Management Office is crucial to keeping over 40,000 people in this community safe. This center was indispensable during the early months of COVID-19, delivering essential needs like PPE,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Orleans County community deserves a modern center equipped with the technology and staff needed to meet the moment when emergencies strike. That’s why I fought to bring home $2 million for a new, state-of-the-art center that will enhance the county’s emergency preparedness capabilities and provide a safe working environment for the dedicated people that make this operation strong.”
Chairwoman Lynne Johnson said, “This funding will bring much needed improvements to the bunker and will help prepare the county for any major disaster. Senator Gillibrand’s tireless support will greatly benefit the citizens and visitors of Orleans County, ensuring that the Emergency Management Office can effectively serve the county.”
The funding secured by Gillibrand is the maximum federal aid the county could receive for the project which has a preliminary price tag of $12 million. Orleans County has also applied for a $2.4 million state grant and is awaiting word as to whether that will be approved. While there is no current timetable for the construction of a new facility, the federal funding needs to be spent by the end of 2025.
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