Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stearns County approved as reception site under state radiological preparedness program
Summary
Emergency Management staff told the board Stearns County will serve as one of several reception sites in the event of a radiological event at Prairie Island or Monticello; the board approved the consent agenda item adding the county’s participation.
Stearns County Emergency Management told the board the county is included as a reception site in the state’s radiological emergency preparedness program for nearby nuclear facilities, and the board approved the consent agenda item confirming the arrangement.
Erin Hughes, Stearns County Emergency Management, said the county has partnered with the state for about 15 years under the state’s radiological emergency preparedness program, which establishes emergency plans for sites such as Prairie Island and Monticello and identifies surrounding counties to operate reception centers. Hughes said reception centers provide locations where people could go to be checked, receive assistance, and be housed if needed following a radiological incident.
Commissioners asked whether the arrangement was coordinated with neighboring counties and with specific plant jurisdictions; Hughes confirmed the program works with surrounding counties, including Stearns, to designate reception sites. Commissioner Clark moved approval of consent agenda item E2; Commissioner seconded and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The board approved the item as part of the consent agenda; county staff said the arrangement is part of ongoing emergency planning rather than a new program requiring separate county funding at this time.
