Tentative timeline is set 911 center move
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – New details regarding the timeline for the proposed move of the 911 and emergency operations center in Walla Walla were released Monday at the joint work session of the Walla Walla City Council and Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Greg Tompkins said the county is working with another governmental agency to move the EOC into a building at the Walla Walla Regional Airport.
The county is now drafting a project timeline. Tompkins said they must start working on the plans for the new facility in December. In February 2023, the county hopes to have the environmental and historic review completed. A month later, officials plan to sign a contract with an architectural and engineering firm for renovation of the building. That will be followed by completion of all the construction drawings. In July, Tompkins said the county’s desire is to then put the renovation project out for bid.
Tompkins said this project is being made possible by federal grants.
“We don’t often go out and get these grants and so to be awarded $1.75 million dollars to move forward with this without asking our local taxpayers for dollars is pretty phenomenal,” he said.
Despite the county applying for the grant, Tompkins said the money was given to the city of Walla Walla and that an interlocal agreement will have to be made to get that money back to the county. Tompkins said once the move is complete, he believes it will be a good location to serve the city and county for many years to come.
