Sedgwick County will apply for a federal grant to help purchase land and construct a building to house both Emergency Management and Public Health Emergency Preparedness operations.
Since 2007, Emergency Management has been located in the public safety building at 714 N. Main in downtown Wichita but the 911 call center co-located there is expanding and needs the space.
If the county is approved for the grant, they would be responsible for paying up to 30 percent of the project’s costs, currently budgeted at $15.8 million. The grant would help with the purchase of land and in construction of the proposed 26 thousand square foot facility.
Commissioner David Dennis said the facility would serve multiple purposes for the county. It would be designed for mass vaccination and dispensing, and would provide ample storage space with a loading dock and receiving area. A portion of the building will be a FEMA-rated storm shelter and training room, and will include administrative offices and operational support space.