Commissioners consider EOC study plan

Wahkiakum County commissioners handled a variety of business at their Tuesday meeting.

Emergency Management Director Beau Renfro reported he plans to evaluate possible new sites for the county's Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The center is activated in times of natural disasters or public health emergencies. Currently, the center is in the basement of the River Street Building.

However, its quarters are temporarily filled with the Cathlamet municipal library while the old town hall building is remodeled. Renfro has designated the Cathlamet Fire Hall meeting room as the temporary center, and he would like to consider making that move permanent.

Renfro told commissioners that he also wants to evaluate the courthouse and the county road shop on the Elochoman Valley Road as other possible sites.

Commissioners' reaction to the proposal was lukewarm.

"My consideration is that there has been $100,000 invested to make the River Street Building workable for an EOC," said Commissioner Blair Brady. "That's a major investment. That's a real consideration."

"That's why I'm looking at all the options," Renfro replied.

Renfro added that he wants to have a designated EOC and a backup in case there's a problem with the primary location.