The greater Bridgeport metropolitan area was just designated as an Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) site. This means Homeland Security funds will be made available to Bridgeport and the surrounding area to enhance prevention, preparedness, response and recovery to events involving all hazards including Terrorism.  Senator Joseph Lieberman along with Bridgeport Mayor Finch and Norwalk Mayor Moccia held a press conference to discuss this designation at the new Bridgeport Combined Emergency Dispatch and Emergency Operations Center which is scheduled to open in September 2008.  Bridgeport Director of Emergency Management, Scott Appleby, hosted the event.

The new center will house a combined emergency dispatch center (911 center) along with a state-of-the-art EOC.   The facility will withstand hurricane force winds, has multiple power and other backup systems and includes the latest technological advances to assure uninterrupted command and control during any expected emergency situation. 

The center includes a room dedicated to amateur radio communications.  The equipment and antennas have been specified by GBARC and purchased by the city of Bridgeport.  GBARC will supply volunteer operators for the ham facility.  Amateur Radio is an integral part of the Emergency Operations Plan for the city.

Pictured below are some of the GBARC members that attended the press conference.