A $7.2M Grant Win for County’s Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Initiatives
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — In a significant boost to disaster preparedness, San Mateo County officials have announced the receipt of a substantial $7.2 million state grant. This funding is set to transform the San Mateo County Event Center into a robust evacuation and safe zone for residents during natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and more.
The announcement, made at a press conference held at the Event Center — a venue known for hosting the San Mateo County Fair and numerous other events — highlighted the center’s pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a site for drive-through testing and vaccination clinics.
Allocated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the grant will enhance the Event Center’s capacity to provide shelter for up to 600 individuals in times of need. Additionally, a portion of the grant is earmarked for Samaritan House, a local nonprofit, to bolster its kitchen and pantry services, subject to its board’s approval.
County Executive Mike Callagy expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that secured the grant, which will be supplemented by matching funds from the Board of Supervisors. “This funding will significantly increase our community’s resilience and our ability to protect our residents during emergencies,” Callagy stated.
The grant is part of a larger $89 million awarded by the CDFA to fortify California fairgrounds in the face of climate change. The County of San Mateo and the Event Center itself will contribute an additional $5 million towards the project, aimed at improving facilities for the community, especially those facing economic and food security challenges.
The Event Center, a sprawling 48-acre facility with extensive exhibit space, has been an established Emergency Operations Center, proving indispensable during various emergencies, including the CZU Lightning Fires. The new funds will further enhance its disaster response capabilities.
CDFA’s Michael Flores praised the Event Center as a model of community service. The planned improvements include new restrooms and showers, broadband updates, shelter space renovations, solar-powered RV sites, and a potential expansion of Samaritan House’s food services, including a new commercial kitchen and dining space capable of serving thousands of meals daily.
Construction is set to commence in June 2024, with the upgrades meeting current seismic standards and enhancing the county’s preparedness for climate change-related disasters. The county, having faced wildfires, pandemics, and severe weather, recognizes the urgency of bolstering infrastructure against such events.
Supervisor Noelia Corzo noted the grant’s timeliness, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure to support vulnerable populations both during crises and in everyday life.
Event Center CEO Dana Stoehr highlighted the grant as a recognition of the enduring partnership between the county, the Event Center, and Samaritan House. The grant is a testament to their collective commitment to safety and inclusivity in San Mateo County.
Stoehr also acknowledged Jane Gray, the masterplan architect and grant writing project director, for her role in realizing this vision of resiliency.
With this grant, Samaritan House will not only provide shelter services during disasters but also aims to expand its meal services and food distribution capabilities, including a new drive-up distribution area. CEO Laura Bent expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance support for the community’s most vulnerable through this partnership.
This comprehensive project represents a proactive approach to disaster readiness, ensuring that San Mateo County remains a resilient and supportive community for all residents, particularly in the face of increasing climate challenges.
