UNC Pembroke Starts Building $9.5M Regional Emergency Operations Hub

Work has begun on a $9.5 million crisis center at UNC Pembroke to boost disaster readiness in southeastern North Carolina. The state-backed project will turn the old Auxiliary Services Building into a modern Campus Security and Regional Emergency Operations Center.

"It's going to be a facility to where UNC Pembroke can stage equipment, stage people, allow places for first responders, maybe linemen, to be able to stay during emergencies," said former Rep. Jarrod Lowery, according to The Robesonian.

Past storms showed big gaps in local crisis response. This site will back up current staging areas near the county fairgrounds. When disasters strike, teams will have a strong base to work from.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings spoke about the center's impact. "The Regional Emergency Response Center will serve as a vital hub for training, coordination, and collaboration, enhancing the safety, resilience, and preparedness of our communities," Cummings said.

Vice Chancellor Gabe Eszterhas pointed out key features. "If Pembroke is to host other folks, this will be a place where they can have their communications, they can do their planning, we'll have internet, and they can reach out," he said.

This spot won't lose power or internet in floods. Built tough, it meets strict safety rules for crisis centers. Money came in two waves. $4.5 million in 2021, then $5 million more in 2025 when costs jumped.

Construction starts in early 2027. Doors should open in 2028. Staff will clear out so workers can gut and rebuild the inside.

UNCP proved its worth during past storms. The campus gave shelter to FEMA, the FBI, and rescue teams from many states. Now they'll have a real home base for the next big emergency.