A new building to house the Snoqualmie Department of Public Safety – Fire Division is on its way to reality to be joined by a new fire engine this summer. But when I saw that the new station might sport an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), I had to ask the question: Why?

When the new police station was built one of the items that many on the City Council, the police department and city staff wanted was an EOC. Hey, it made sense considering our area is prone to flooding emergencies. The room is nicely sized and is currently located in the police station and ready to use should an emergency occur. In fact, the current room also gets used for many local meetings. It’s a great facility. So tell me why the city needs to spend money on another one? Is it because of some inadequacy with the current facility? If it is, let us know what is missing from the current facility.

If it’s meant as a backup, that still doesn’t really seem like money well spent. The current backup is a radio-equipped van. Hey, if it works, let’s use the money elsewhere. If we are that concerned about a 6-year-old, seismically stable, out-of-the-floodplain building, then keep gas in the van and make sure the battery is charged, but why spend tens of thousands of dollars just for a backup?

Is it because the current EOC is used for too many meetings to have it ready at a moment’s notice? If it is, let’s build a new meeting room in the fire hall, at a much cheaper cost than another EOC.

Is it because we are worried about the major disaster that is inevitable in our future, such as a major earthquake? Well nothing can prepare us for every possible disaster, but the current EOC can be ramped up in short enough time to support Snoqualmie residents. At least that was what we were told when it was put in the plans of the police station.

Are we so worried about flooding that we must have two EOCs out of the floodplain? The current EOC can be set up in a short amount of time and in reality, flooding never happens quickly, there is almost always time for planning. With current river monitoring stations, flows can be determined quickly and appropriate action taken, so flooding as a reason for another EOC seems a stretch.

I think it would be good to reconsider spending money on another EOC when there are so many equipment requirements, or other places money is needed in Snoqualmie, such as hovercrafts for swift water rescues, a tanker truck, and numerous other apparatus. Let’s bank any EOC money for other things.

The Snoqualmie City Council will hold a round-table discussion on this subject at 6 p.m. on June 9th prior to the council meeting. Let the council and staff know your feelings, but let’s hold off on another EOC.