Effingham County Board approves grant for eight emergency generators

Effingham County Board of Commissioners made significant strides in disaster preparedness and infrastructure at their recent workshop on May 6, 2025. A key highlight was the approval of a grant award from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency for the purchase of emergency generators. This grant, originally intended for nine generators, will now focus on eight critical locations, including two wells and five lift stations, with an estimated local match of 40-45% due to rising costs.

Clint Hodges, the EMA director, emphasized the importance of these generators for ensuring reliable power during emergencies. "These will be permanent installations," he confirmed, underscoring their long-term impact on community safety.

In addition to the grant approval, the board also renewed several agreements, including a memorandum of understanding with the Effingham County Board of Education for using schools as disaster shelters and for the use of school buses during evacuations. However, some members raised concerns about the age of these documents, suggesting a need for updates to reflect current leadership.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda, which included these critical agreements and the grant funding. As Effingham County continues to enhance its emergency preparedness, these decisions mark a proactive approach to safeguarding the community against future disasters.