EDC Secures Second Grant for Brevard County

Emergency Operations Center

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

Space Coast, FL (July 23, 2019) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) has secured a Defense Infrastructure Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in the amount of $366,666. This is the second consecutive year that the EDC identified this opportunity and was awarded funds which will support the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Civil Site Preparation project. Last year, the EDC was awarded $500,000, bringing the grant award total to nearly $867,000.

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 situation. 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, the EDC made it a priority to pursue this funding opportunity again in 2019,” said Lynda 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 components of our local economic base.”

In a release from Florida State Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the defense grant projects, the Governor stated “As a veteran, I know the value in supporting Florida’s military installations and their surrounding communities. We will continue to rebuild and create resilient bases for the hardworking men and women who serve our country and state.”

“We greatly appreciate the hard work of the EDC in securing funding for our Emergency Operations Center,” said Brevard County Commissioner Chair, Kristine Isnardi. “The importance of replacing this facility has long been a priority for our county.”

“This grant award puts us another step closer to the reality of a new Emergency Operations Center,” said Brevard County Emergency Management Director Kimberly Prosser. “We continue to work with local, state and federal partners in our efforts to enhance public safety in east Central Florida.”

For more information on the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program visit www.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