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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 staff and grant funds but warned of turnover and coverage gaps. "We believe the standard and industry standard is 8 minimum to run 20 fourseven operations," Hanson told the committee.
Why it matters: The Watch Center coordinates information between dispatchers, hospitals, health officials and local response partners during emergencies. Hanson said the center performed a coordination role during recent wildfires and a train derailment, and that intermittent staffing shortfalls required closing the center on occasion.
Discussion highlights
- Staffing and funding: Committee members were told the department previously received authorization for six positions but only four were funded; the current ask would fund two more to reach the authorized complement and replace temporary hires.
- Use of grants: Officials said they have used State Homeland Security Grant Program and Emergency Management Performance Grant Program funds to fill temporary needs but that federal grant purchasing power has declined and the approach is not sustainable.
- Operational role: Hanson described the Watch Center as "the central coordinating point" and explained it functions as a second layer behind dispatchers, connecting field information to hospitals, health departments and other incident partners.
- Location and logistics: The Watch Center operates from the armory barracks adjacent to the emergency operations center; the committee asked for a short elevator-speech definition, which Hanson provided on the record.
Ending: Committee members acknowledged the center's role during recent incidents and placed the request under continued review; several members asked the agency to return with further documentation on grant reliance and the detailed requirement for reaching an eight-person staffing model.
