Monday, December 23, 2024

San Mateo County receives $7.2 million to address emergencies and boost resilience

San Mateo County Event Center receives $7.2 million to address emergencies and boost resilience
Press conference at the San Mateo County Events Center. From left: Laura Bent, Samaritan House; Michael Callagy, County Executive; State Senator Josh Becker; Supervisor Noelia Corzo; Dana Stoehr, Events Center; Michael Flores, California Department of Food and Agriculture. Credit: Office of the San Mateo County Executive.

San Mateo County has received a $7.2 million state grant to help the San Mateo County Events Center serve as an evacuation center and safe zone during earthquakes, fires, floods and other disasters to address emergencies and boost resilience.

That was announced Thursday by state and local officials during a news conference at the Events Center, home of the San Mateo County Fair, private shows and conferences and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-thru testing and vaccine clinics.

According to officials, the California Department of Food and Agriculture grant will improve the center's capacity to accommodate up to 600 people when needed.