Habersham County Secures $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for New Emergency Operations Center

Habersham County has secured $2.5 million in federal funding toward construction of a new Emergency Operations Center that will bring the county’s emergency management and 911 operations together under one roof.

The funding was awarded through the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which has now been signed into law.

The federal money will be combined with funding already designated for the project through the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST.

The Emergency Operations Center is currently projected to cost approximately $14.7 million as designed. Habersham County budgeted $4 million for Phase I through SPLOST VII and another $11 million for Phase II through SPLOST VIII.

The project dates back to 2018, but county officials say the scope has expanded since the original plans were developed. The proposed facility will now house both Habersham County 911 operations and the Emergency Operations Center.

Construction costs have also risen significantly since the project was first envisioned, making the additional federal funding particularly important as the county moves closer to construction.

What Could the Federal Funding Mean for SPLOST Dollars?

The $2.5 million award could potentially give Habersham County some additional flexibility with money previously budgeted for the project.

According to the county, depending on final construction bids, some funding could potentially be available for needed equipment or allow additional SPLOST dollars to be reallocated toward renovations of county fire stations.

However, county officials stressed that no decision can be made about any potential reallocation until the construction bidding process is complete and the actual cost of the facility is known.

Both the federal grant and SPLOST funding currently allocated to the project are restricted for use on the Emergency Operations Center project.

Habersham County expects to receive additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the coming weeks regarding administration of the federal funds.

More Than a New Building

The proposed EOC is designed to become the central point for coordinating the county's response during major emergencies.

Emergency services, public health agencies, public works, schools and other community partners would be able to work together from the facility during critical incidents, allowing for real-time communication and coordinated decision-making.

Emergency Management Director Melanie Bellinger said the importance of the project goes beyond the physical facility.

“This project is about more than a building, it’s about strengthening our ability to protect and serve our community,” Bellinger said. “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.”

When completed, the facility will also be used for emergency planning and training, allowing agencies to prepare together before a disaster or other major incident occurs.

County officials say that shift toward preparation is one of the primary goals of the proactive preparedness.

Construction Could Begin in 2027

The project is tentatively scheduled to kick off in the summer of 2027, coinciding with the beginning of SPLOST VIII.

Before then, the county will have to complete the bidding process, which will provide a clearer picture of the final construction cost and determine how the newly secured federal funding affects the overall financing of the project.

County leaders and the Finance Department worked to secure the federal funding, which officials say will help Habersham County build a facility capable of meeting both current emergency-response needs and those expected in the years ahead.

For residents, the project ultimately represents an investment in something they hope they rarely need—but one that becomes critical when severe weather, natural disasters or other major emergencies occur.