|
|
Published April 14, 2007 12:09 am - TOPEKA, Kan. — The state would create five regional centers to train state and local emergency responders and the Kansas National Guard under a plan outlined by officials Friday.
Kansas: National Guard, Sebelius propose regional training centers
The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. — The state would create five regional centers to train state and local emergency responders and the Kansas National Guard under a plan outlined by officials Friday.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said she would ask legislators to allow the Adjutant General’s Department to issue up to $32 million in bonds over three years to buy the land and establish the centers. Sites would be chosen in each of the state’s four corners, with a central hub in Salina.
“The training centers provide a great opportunity to bring Guard and first responders together for ongoing training, because we know that’s the team that’s called on to respond,” Sebelius said. “Proper training not only enhances the safety of our Guard members and Kansas first responders, but it helps them protect us.
“And right now, we’ve got some real gaps here in Kansas.”
Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting said the project was conceived after many discussions with local and state emergency officials about the need for training. Homeland security missions also require that agencies work closely in responding to disasters — natural and man-made.
“It’s wildly important to us,” Bunting said of the project and its goals. “In Kansas, we actually talk to each other. We believe the best way to be safe in this country is to train together every day.”
Sebelius said the bonds would be repaid with general tax dollars beginning in fiscal year 2009. Legislators will consider the request when they return on April 25 to begin the wrap-up of the 2007 session.
Ongoing operating costs would be funded by about $1.4 million in federal funds and $300,000 in state funds. However, Bunting said, operations could be funded by fees charged to other states or first responders that use the centers for training.
Each center would be built on up to 1,280 acres, with space to land helicopters and aircraft such as small planes or the Army’s C-130 cargo plane.
Mock villages would be constructed to allow responders to train on fire, medical and hazardous material responses; National Guard units could use them to prepare for tours in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Bunting said the centers would reduce the amount of time soldiers or first responders spend driving to sites outside Kansas and away from their families.
He said up to 90 percent of the training required to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan could be completed at one of the centers, reducing the time away from families and jobs, currently lasting as long as 18 months.
“Many of them wouldn’t have to leave the state at all,” Bunting said. “No other state has made this investment.”
Sebelius said with the frequency of deployments and lack of equipment — the Kansas National Guard has only about 40 percent of gear it needs — soldiers have to leave the state months in advance of when they must go to Iraq. Currently, more than 800 Kansans are in Iraq, with 170 scheduled to go later this year and two other units on alert.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Announcements



: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED
for local construction project, must have CDL and experience on construction site belly dumps. 417-206-0930....>MORE
See all ads |
|
2001 DODGE RAM 1500
SLT/shell, 71,000 miles, 5.9l V8, tow package +, super condition reduced $7690. 417-358-5395....>MORE
1989 CHEVROLET STEPSIDE
350, V8, custom flames, runs great, $2500. 417-208-6717...>MORE
JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE SPORT
JEEP, 2000 Cherokee Sport, 6 1/2” lift, 35” foggers, locked front end, welded rear end, off road use, winch not included...>MORE
2003 SATURN L200
4 door, 4 cylinder, 127,000 miles, $4495. 417-434-0925...>MORE
FORD, 1997 F150
V8, automatic, extended cab, high miles, $2600. (417)214-0145....>MORE
2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE
Sport, loaded, all options, great looking van, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT
loaded, 1 owner, 94,000 miles, nice. (417)385-7755...>MORE
OLDSMOBILE 2003 SILHOUETTE VAN
OLDSMOBILE, 2003 Silhouette mini van, 107,000 miles, scooter/wheelchair hoist, nice, $7000. (417)776-3219....>MORE
2002 KIA OPTIMA EX
4 door, sharp, loaded, leather, CD, sunroof, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
HONDA, 2007 FIT SPORT,
customized interior package, automatic, air, AM/FM/CD, cruise, great mpg, low miles, excellent condition, $11,800. (417)...>MORE
See all ads |
|
3 ACRES
3 ACRES more/less with pond. Nice park-like setting, just minutes from Range Line. Close to area of newer homes. $19,900...>MORE
525 E. 41ST, JOPLIN, MO
to be sold at auction December 5th or before. Lovely all red brick home on large corner. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, double...>MORE
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE
See all ads |
|
NEW IN BOX
New in box, Lucchese cowboy boots, black, size 9D, $200. (620)231-9256...>MORE
GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT!
1000 thread 100% Egyptian cotton bed sheets, all sizes, 10 colors, $35/set. (417)782-6639....>MORE
ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE
REWARD $50,000 REWARD
Offered for any information leading to conviction of any person or persons known to have been involved in alleged ...>MORE
I WANT TO BUY
6’ t-post, 5’ wire. Call for details. (417)396-1339...>MORE
POODLE, FULL BLOODED
POODLE, full blooded, $75 or best offer. (417)385-8710 after 4:30 p.m....>MORE
ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPY
male, AKC, fawn/white, champion bloodlines, $900 or best offer. (417)396-3340...>MORE
YORKIES
12 weeks old, 2 males, AKC, 1st shots, $175. 417-291-6590, Webb City...>MORE
DIAMOND SOLITAIRE
Pear-shaped, one carat, diamond solitaire in gold setting. $2,000. Please call 417-825-3238...>MORE
POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|