Ron Clayton, Correspondent
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee)
Copyright 2006 Chattanooga Publishing Company
ATHENS, Tenn. — McMinn County soon could have an auxiliary 911 center for emergency operations if the main emergency center is ever abandoned, officials said.
County Mayor John Gentry said the state is encouraging counties to establish additional centers so emergency operations can continue if the main center is evacuated.
“The state suggests a mobile unit,” Mr. Gentry said.
But a permanent facility is more appropriate for McMinn County, he said.
The current facility is on Congress Parkway in western Athens. The secondary center would be in Etowah, about 12 miles east of Athens. Mr. Gentry said it would be unlikely both centers would be affected by any emergency.
“If this works, we may build a new ambulance station with the center,” Mr. Gentry said.
He said an Emergency Operations Center room, an office for the county fire chief and a shed for some of the county’s hazardous material equipment could be constructed.
E-911 center Director Jim Davis said funding for the center likely would be a joint venture between the 911 board and McMinn County.
He said having an ambulance station at the new building, “Would mean someone would be there around the clock,” and help keep the facility secure.
Mr. Gentry said the Athens’ dispatch center was considered as a possible location, but it is relatively close to the primary center.
Mr. Davis said the new center would have two dispatch stations that could be operated on a temporary basis.
He said once research is completed and land purchased in the Etowah area, the county planner will draw up initial plans for the facility.