Resilience Hub, Fire Station and Emergency Shelter

 

Senator Van Hollen, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Harris have advanced Crisfield’s request for  $1.8 million in USDA Rural Development funding for a Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Project (also known as an “earmark”) to their respective Appropriations Committees.  The House Appropriations Committee selected this project for inclusion in its funding bill. This funding will serve to begin the process of building a new Fire Station and Emergency Shelter, including a Feasibility Study to provide Engineering/Architectural services, mitigate non-tidal wetlands, and contract an architectural firm to provide bid-ready construction documents, and install building infrastructure to include sewer and water lines.   The current Crisfield Fire Station was built in 1960.

 

The timeline for CDS funds is as follows: Senate Appropriations releases funding bills with earmarks that were selected, typically in August. Consolidated funding bill is agreed on by Congress and signed into law with Senate and House earmarks, typically in late December.
Earmark funding is likely distributed by federal agencies in early 2025. If funded, this project will require a 25% local match, or approximately $450,000 in local funds. 

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The City of Crisfield hopes to apply for EPA Community Change Grant funds to complete the fire department and emergency shelter, and to convert the new building into a resilience hub.

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Resilience hubs are community-focused facilities designed to support residents during emergencies and increase local resilience in the face of natural disasters, climate change, and other crises. These hubs serve as centralized locations that offer critical services and resources, both during times of crisis and in everyday community-building efforts.

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Key functions of resilience hubs include:

1. Disaster Response and Relief:

   • Provide safe shelter, power, food, water, and medical supplies during extreme weather events or other emergencies.

   • Act as information centers where people can get updates on emergency situations and access to essential services.
      

2. Climate Adaptation and Preparedness:

   • Help communities adapt to climate change by offering educational programs, resources, and tools for disaster preparedness.

   • Some hubs are equipped with renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power), backup generators, and energy storage systems to remain operational during power outages.
      

3. Community Building and Equity:

   • Serve as community centers that offer regular programs related to education, social services, workforce development, and health resources, particularly for vulnerable or underserved populations.

   • Encourage community participation in planning and implementing initiatives that build long-term resilience, helping communities to thrive before and after crises.
      

4. Environmental Sustainability:

   • Some hubs incorporate sustainable design elements like green infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, and energy efficiency improvements to reduce their environmental impact and demonstrate eco-friendly practices.
      

By supporting both immediate disaster response and long-term resilience strategies, resilience hubs empower communities to better withstand and recover from disruptions.