Burlington County is better equipped to respond to significant storms, floods and other emergencies following the completion of a $1 million upgrade to the County Emergency Operations Center.

The Burlington County Commissioners announced the multiphase project’s completion this month after a new video and information wall was successfully installed and programmed. The upgrades represent the first significant improvements to the Emergency Operations Center since it was constructed in the early 2000s.

“There is no greater responsibility for our government than the health and safety of Burlington County residents, and the improvements to the Emergency Operations Center makes our County better prepared for all manner of disasters and emergencies,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson.

“Burlington County has seen the devastation caused by hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other emergencies. Equipping Burlington County’s emergency management team and responders with the best possible technology helps them to better plan, respond and coordinate with local first responders and partner agencies,” added Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the County Department of Public Safety. “The improvements will enhance our ability to communicate, share information and manage resources so they go where they are most needed.” 

Housed in the lower level of the Burlington County Public Safety Building on Academy Drive in Westampton, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions as the main coordination point for all significant disasters and emergencies in the county, including extreme weather, natural disasters, large-scale health emergencies, terror attacks and other incidents. The center has 24 workstations, communications hub and meeting space for emergency management coordinators and representatives from state, county, local and federal agencies, plus medical services, utilities and other County departments active during emergencies.

The new information/video wall consists of multiple interactive monitors capable of displaying maps, video conferences, news reports, traffic cameras, dispatch CAD reports, satellite feeds and other data in real-time to assist with planning, response and information gathering. 

Other improvements to the EOC include:

• New multi-purpose workstations and all-in-one computers for both operational agencies and support services;
• New telecommunications equipment and cameras to support enhanced teleconference meetings, training sessions and information sessions;
• A new conference table, conference monitor and smart boards for in-person and virtual meetings; 
• New video monitors in the Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator offices for news or information displays.
• Updates to the EOC computer servers, battery backup, and software so workstations, video screens and telecommunication equipment can continue to operate if other infrastructure fails. The upgrades also allow the EOC information wall and work station monitors to access both Burlington County and New Jersey Department of Transportation highway traffic cameras, as well as Central Communications computer assisted dispatch data. 

The improvements cost approximately $1 million total and were funded with the assistance of a $637,195 federal grant awarded to Burlington County as part of a FY2024 government funding package, championed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim. 

“This project and the vital public safety enhancements would not have been possible without the help of both Senator Kim and Senator Booker, who both included our project in their budgetary requests,” said Commissioner Eckel. “The funding has made the Burlington County Emergency Operations a centralized command center that can be used by local, county state and federal partners during crisis situations. We thank both senators for helping us make our residents safer by providing responders with the tools they need in an emergency.”

Senator Kim said he was proud to help support Burlington County’s upgrade.

“As New Jersey continues to navigate life-threatening storms that are happening with increasing intensity and regularity across the state, I’m grateful that Burlington County was able to see this project through and make the upgrades needed to keep Burlington residents safe,” said Senator Kim. “We fought hard for this funding, but we must keep working to restore FEMA funding and prepare our communities to deal with these natural disasters and prevent tragedy.”

The EOC upgrades are the latest of several infrastructure improvements undertaken by the County in recent years to enhance public safety and health. Earlier this month the Commissioners celebrated the completion of a $3 million renovation of the Burington County Health Department Building in Westampton and the acquisition of a new Mobile Health vehicle.

In 2021, Burlington County also completed a $45 million overhaul and upgrade of the County’s emergency communications system and the purchase of new handheld and vehicle radios for all first responders. 

The Burlington County Department of Public Safety is also close to completing its acquisition of a new mobile emergency management command vehicle to assist with on-site disaster response, relief and recovery operations. The vehicle is being purchased and outfitted using federal aid the County received through the American Rescue Plan Act.

“These improvements are investments in the health, safety and welfare of Burlington County residents but also the people who put their lives on the line to serve and protect them,” said Commissioner Hopson. “Our Board is proud to support these improvements, and we will continue to look for all possible solutions and methods to improve public safety.”