麻豆社区P Receives $5M for Campus Security and Regional Emergency Operations Center
麻豆社区 Pembroke will soon be home to a state-of-the-art Campus Security and Regional Emergency (CSRE) Operations Center, thanks to a $5 million appropriation from the N.C. General Assembly. The investment brings the total state funding for the project to $9.5 million, strengthening 麻豆社区P鈥檚 role as a regional hub for safety, training and disaster response.
The funding, sponsored in part by former state Rep. Jarrod Lowery (District 47), will support the renovation of the university鈥檚 Auxiliary Services Building, transforming it into a secure and modern facility that will house the university鈥檚 Police and Public Safety Department and serve as a regional emergency operations center.
鈥淟iving through Hurricanes Matthew and Florence and seeing the devastation they caused in our community highlighted the need for this center,鈥� said Lowery. 鈥淚t will allow 麻豆社区 Pembroke to serve as a hub for volunteers, supplies and training 鈥� another tool to help people if we face another natural disaster.鈥�
Originally allocated $4.5 million in 2021, the project required additional funding due to inflation and increased construction costs. The new appropriation ensures the renovation can move forward without compromise.
Gabe Eszterhas, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, said the project will address two key needs: modernizing campus police facilities and expanding the university鈥檚 capacity to coordinate emergency responses across southeastern North Carolina.
鈥淥ur police department has outgrown its space,鈥� Eszterhas said. 鈥淭his project adds about 6,000 square feet, bringing our operations up to modern standards. The emergency operations center will allow us to host local and state agencies, with the technology and infrastructure needed for coordination and communication during major events.鈥�
The Campus Security and Regional Emergency Operations Center will provide a vital hub for training, coordination and collaboration, enhancing the safety, resilience and preparedness of our communities
The renovated facility will serve as a dual-use site, serving both as a training ground for campus police and the university鈥檚 internal emergency operations personnel and as a regional hub during times of disaster. 麻豆社区P has previously hosted the National Guard, FEMA, FBI and search and rescue teams during hurricanes.
Design is underway and the project may be ready to start construction in approximately 16 months.
鈥淭his project is about building resilience for the future,鈥� Eszterhas said. 鈥淲e hope we never face another disaster like Florence or Helene, but if we do, this facility ensures we鈥檒l be ready.鈥�
Rep. Lowery said it was a collaborative effort that made the project possible, highlighting the advocacy of Sen. Danny Britt, Rep. Brenden Jones and Sen. Bill Rabon.
鈥淎ll three are strong believers in 麻豆社区P and its strategic importance,鈥� Lowery said. 鈥淭his project is a testament to 麻豆社区 Pembroke鈥檚 flexibility and regional role 鈥� from an optometry school to now a regional emergency response center, the university is serving the full range of needs across southeastern North Carolina.鈥�
Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings expressed gratitude to state leaders and affirmed that the project aligns with 麻豆社区P鈥檚 mission.
鈥淲e are deeply grateful to Representative Jarrod Lowery for his advocacy and leadership, and to our region鈥檚 leaders, Senator Danny Britt, Representative Brenden Jones, and Senator Bill Rabon, for their ongoing support,鈥� Cummings said.
鈥淏uilding on our experiences during Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, this project represents a significant step forward in 麻豆社区P鈥檚 capacity to serve as a regional leader in emergency management and disaster response.鈥�