Habersham County Receives $2.5 Million Federal Grant for New Emergency Operations Center

Habersham County is proud to announce it has been awarded $2,500,000 in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for the construction of a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The legislation has been officially signed into law, securing critical funding for Habersham County.

This significant investment will be combined with previously allocated SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds dedicated specifically to the project. With rising construction costs impacting projects nationwide, the federal grant will play a vital role in ensuring the successful completion of the facility and enhancing the county’s ability to serve its residents and support its workforce.

The total projected cost of the project is approximately $14.7 million as designed. Of that, $4 million was budgeted for Phase I through SPLOST VII, and $11 million was budgeted for Phase II through SPLOST VIII. It’s important to note that the project was originally planned in 2018, prior to significant post-COVID inflation, and has since expanded to include both 911 operations and the Emergency Operations Center within the same facility.

This could possibly allow us to use funding to purchase much needed equipment or reallocate additional SPLOST funding to renovate fire stations throughout the county, but we will not know until after all the bidding of the building is complete. The project is tentatively scheduled for kickoff summer of 2027 as SPLOST VIII begins.

In the coming weeks, Habersham County will receive additional guidance and communication from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the administration of these funds. Both the federal grant and SPLOST allocations are restricted for use solely on the Emergency Operations Center project.

The new facility represents a major step forward in strengthening the county’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Designed to support coordination among emergency services, public health, public works, schools, and community partners, the EOC will provide the infrastructure needed for real-time communication, decision-making, and unified response during critical incidents.

County leadership and the Finance Department have dedicated significant time and effort to securing this funding opportunity. Their efforts reflect a shared commitment to investing in public safety and ensuring the county is equipped to meet both current and future challenges.

“This project is about more than a building, it’s about strengthening our ability to protect and serve our community,” said Emergency Management Director Melanie Bellinger “A modern Emergency Operations Center will enhance coordination, improve response times, and provide our teams with the resources they need to perform at the highest level when it matters most.”

Once completed, the new Emergency Operations Center will serve as a central hub for emergency planning, training, and operations; helping Habersham County transition from reactive response to proactive preparedness.

Habersham County looks forward to the positive impact this project will have on the safety, resilience, and future of the community.