We need to work together to create an America that is strong...safe...and full of possibilities for all citizens. The Homeland Defense Readiness Center is an example of that kind of cooperation.

The concept for the Homeland Defense Readiness Center includes all aspects of emergency response...from Law Enforcement to Fire to Emergency Communications to Emergency Management to the Marine Reserve and the National Guard.

The Readiness Center will be 130,000 square-feet. The two-story building will be home to around 60 permanently assigned Army and Marine personnel during the workweek. Several times a month during drill weekends more than 300 Guardsmen and Reservists will occupy the facility for training.

The Tactical Training Area will provide realistic hands-on training for a variety of emergency scenarios. There will be a multi-story burn tower...emergency responder driving course...and a hazardous material and rescue training area that will give students the best response training possible.

But that is not all. This facility will also be of use for our city and county public safety officials. Whether it is a formal setting where full time staff will be located there, or a training facility, we see a variety of opportunities. The point that I am most proud of is that parts of the facility...including a large Assembly Hall with kitchen and classrooms will be available for use by a variety of community groups...Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church Organizations, District Advisory Board meeting and others. So you see, this is truly a facility that our entire community will share and embrace.

At this time, I would like to thank Macie Houston, regional director for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Houston and her staff were extremely instrumental in bringing this project to where it is today. Her assistance with various HUD policies made it possible for us to designate this site this afternoon. Ms. Houston, we thank you for your tremendous support of this endeavor.

I would also like to recognize Captain Don Albert, Commanding Officer and Inspector-Instructor, US Marine Corps Reserve. The Marine Corps Reserve has been an outstanding partner in this collaboration and we are pleased to have you here with us today.

As you all know, public safety is every local official’s top priority. But we can’t do it alone. New homeland security responsibilities have expanded what we expect our police...fire...and emergency workers to do on a regular basis. We’re prepared to work with our federal and state partners to ensure hometown security in every way. The Homeland Defense Readiness Center is an important part of that team effort.

Thank you.

Mayor Knight...