CONTACT:
Brian Baluta
Director, Communications and Partner Relations
(321) 638-2000
BBaluta@SpaceCoastEDC.org

 

EDC assists Brevard County to secure grant for
Emergency Operations Center

Brevard’s EOC critical to Patrick Air Force Base, local, state and federal governments.

SPACE COAST, Fla. (October 15, 2020) – For the third consecutive year, the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Civil Site Preparation project will benefit from a state grant thanks to the continued efforts of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC). Governor Ron DeSantis announced the $200,000 Defense Infrastructure Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The previous two years, the EDC identified and was awarded $500,000 and $366,666, respectively. This year’s grant will go directly to Brevard County, bringing the grant award total to nearly $1,067,000.

The Defense Infrastructure Grant Program protects Florida’s military bases by providing funding for local infrastructure needs, as well as other area assets. Brevard County’s EOC serves as a critical component to managing local launch activity overseen by Patrick Air Force Base.

Brevard County’s EOC centralizes response and recovery decisions, plans, and operational activities, so that the efficiency, quality, and quantity of resources achieve maximum effectiveness in an emergency. This ensures timely alerting and warning capabilities to protect Brevard’s residents, and the millions of its annual visitors. The EOC has a unique significance to local, state and federal governments for disaster preparedness and response due to the assets within its borders.

“After identifying and receiving this award in 2018 and successfully pursuing it again in 2019, the EDC is pleased to learn  Brevard County will be able move this project forward in 2020,” said Lynda L. Weatherman, President and CEO of the EDC. “The EOC is a vital asset for our safety, and for the success of our military and space operations, which are both critical pillars of our local economy.”

In a release from Florida State Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the defense grant projects, the Governor stated, “During my time with the Navy, I was able to experience firsthand the tremendous impact a military installation has on its surrounding community. I’m proud to provide an opportunity for these organizations to continue to support and enhance the great partnerships Florida’s communities have with our military.”

“A physically resilient and technologically modernized Emergency Operations Center is critical in best ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people of Brevard County,” said Chair of Brevard County Board of County Commissioners Bryan Lober (District 2). “I thank the EDC for continuing to work with Brevard County to bring this project to fruition.”

For more information on Military Community programs, please visit FloridaJobs.org/Military-Community-Programs.

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast

The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.