PITTSBURGH -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District deployed 16 personnel to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-assigned disaster relief and temporary power mission in the aftermath of tornadoes that devastated eight states, Dec. 12.
The power planning and response team (PRT) deployed Sunday, Dec. 12 to the generator staging base (GSB) in Greenville, Kentucky.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Pittsburgh District employees who answered our nation’s call on a moment’s notice,” said Lt. Col. Albert Butler, deputy commander, Pittsburgh District. “We will do everything we can to help our fellow citizens during their time of need.”
The Pittsburgh District PRT delivered 16 generators to assist in restoring power to the region. FEMA is transporting more than 60 generators to the GSB, which will arrive later today, Dec. 13.
The generators will provide power to critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency departments and shelters for displaced community members. Additionally, the generators will power water pumps to provide clean water to the affected areas.
On Dec. 11, severe storms and tornadoes tore through Kentucky and seven other states, devastating more than a thousand homes over 200 miles and leaving approximately 12,300 residents without power. 135 personnel from several Corps of Engineers districts are on the ground and supporting the temporary power mission.
“People who are willing to deploy two weeks before Christmas to help those in need demonstrates how dedicated our people are to our mission,” said Al Coglio, Chief of Emergency Management. “We’re ready to do whatever it takes to provide the people of Kentucky with hope, even in the face of disaster.”
The Pittsburgh District has more than 60 volunteers who are trained and ready to deploy in support of FEMA disaster relief. When a deployment request arrives, volunteers are expected to be ready within six hours to hop on a plane or hit the road and go, said Coglio.
Media can contact the Public Affairs office at CELRP-PA@usace.army.mil or 412-395-7500.
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