The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners voted to pursue a $5 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to construct an Emergency Services Complex that would consolidate emergency-services offices, an emergency operations center (EOC), warehousing for disaster response and overnight housing capacity.

Emergency Services staff told the board they previously pursued CDBG funds for housing improvements and that the current application would focus on reconstruction in flood-prone low-to-moderate-income (LMI) areas while locating the complex on county-owned land in the northwest part of the county. Staff said the move would replace cramped leased offices and provide a central receiving/distribution point (CRDP) co-located with the EOC, enabling quicker control of incoming state and federal resources during activations.

Several commissioners voiced reservations. One commissioner questioned placing the majority of $5 million in the county's northwest corner and suggested dispersing facilities across both sides of the river so funding benefits more residents. Supporters argued the chosen site is safer from flooding, would replace inadequate leased space and allow better operational coordination and overnight capabilities. Commissioner Booth moved to approve submitting the application and the motion carried after a voice vote.

What the grant would fund: Emergency Services described the complex as housing offices, an EOC, warehousing for disaster supplies, and overnight housing; the application is a FY'25 CDBG submission with staff recommendation to adopt the attached resolution and proceed.

Next steps: Staff will file the CDBG application and follow the Department of Commerce review process. Project details, including final site selection, design and contract awards, will require subsequent board approvals and public notifications.