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County to accept $177,000 state grant to add generator and three‑phase power at designated shelters
Summary
County manager told commissioners that Burke County applied for and was awarded a $177,000 state public‑safety shelter capacity grant to add three‑phase power connections and a generator/transfer switch to two designated shelters to improve emergency sheltering capacity.
Burke County staff told commissioners Tuesday that the county secured a $177,000 North Carolina public‑safety shelter capacity grant to improve power resiliency at designated shelter sites and to purchase a generator and transfer switch for a county shelter.
County Manager said the grant requires no local match and would pay to provide three‑phase power connections at several designated shelters and to purchase a generator and transfer switch for the Foothills Higher Education Center and First Baptist Silver Branch (county‑designated shelters). "This grant is $177,000. It does three fundamental things," the manager said.
Why it matters: The award follows operational lessons learned during recent large sheltering events — including the July 13 Grace Heights incident — and is intended to reduce shelter vulnerability to power outages and to keep critical shelter functions running during emergencies.
Board action: The commissioners approved a budget amendment to record the grant and authorize staff to accept and use the funds; the motion passed unanimously.
Ending: Staff said the project will be implemented by county facilities and emergency‑management personnel and that the county will bring implementation timelines to the board as the purchase and installation proceed.
