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HUD money will fund tribe emergency center
By Derek Hodges
Housing and Urban Development officials presented a $500,000 grant check to tribal officials Feb. 22.
The money is part of HUD’s Indian Community Development Block Grants. It will be used to fund the construction of a Community Emergency Operations Training Center.
When completed, the center will provide a centralized and modern command post in the event of a serious emergency or crisis. The center will allow a more organized effort for handling and mitigating emergencies and disasters on and near the Cherokee Reservation, said Brandon Stephens, the tribe’s grant writer. Stephens submitted the application that secured the funds.
Principal Chief Michell Hicks, right, accepts a check from Housing and Urban Development officials Ed Ellis, left, and Bob Young. The $500,000 grant will be used to construct an Emergency Operations Training Center, Hicks said. – Herald photo by Derek Hodges
The facility will also serve as a training center for emergency personnel and could be used for other community activities, as well as by surrounding counties, Stephens said.
“We’ve been very fortunate to be a part of HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program,” Stephens said.
The check represents another step in HUD’s continuing support of the Eastern Band, Stephens said. Other projects financed by HUD grants include an entrance to the ceremonial grounds and a cover for its amphitheater. Projects slated to begin soon include an NCAA-regulation size soccer and indoor stickball field, a women’s wellness center and the emergency center, Stephens said.
“We’ve been very successful with the projects we’ve had. They’ve been tremendous successes,” Principal Chief Michell Hicks said.
The center will be able to provide services to everyone on the Qualla Boundary, HUD Atlanta Regional Director Bob Young said.
“To have what will be a state-of-the-art emergency center will be vital for the residents of the reservation, as well as all the tourists who come to this area,” Young said. “You’ve earned what you’re getting. Working together we can improve the lives of all the people we serve.”
Local elected representatives often play a part in securing such grants. Beverly Elliot, district representative of Congressman Charles Taylor’s (R-Brevard) office attended the presentation of the check on Taylor’s behalf.
“It is indeed a privilege to be here on such a momentous occasion,” Elliot said. “We look forward to working closely with (tribal leadership).”
Work on the emergency center should begin in the next couple months, Stephens said. While the grant allows up to two years for completion of the project, tribal leaders hope to have it finished long before that, Stephens said.
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