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Lawmakers review Watch Center staffing request, urged to fund two additional FTEs
Summary
Officials asked the committee to fund two FTEs to reach an industry-standard eight-person Watch Center for 24/7 operations, arguing reliance on temporary staff is unsustainable after wildfire and derailment responses.
Bismarck — Department officials asked the Appropriations subcommittee to fund two additional Watch Center positions to meet a stated industry minimum for continuous operations and reduce reliance on temporary staff.
Darren Hanson, Homeland Security Division director, told the panel that the Watch Center was established to provide 24/7 situational coordination and that the industry standard to run continuous operations is eight staff. Hanson said the division currently has four funded FTEs and two unfunded positions authorized previously; the department has filled gaps using temporary…
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