CAMBRIDGE, Iowa—Dakota Access Pipeline, LLC is donating $20,000 to each Emergency Management Agency across Iowa in the counties through which the pipeline travels, totaling $360,000. With the aim of helping first responders, each county is encouraged to use the funds where they need it most. A check presentation was held this week at the Cambridge Fire Station.
Dakota Access Pipeline is committed to being a good neighbor, a good business partner and a valued member of Iowa’s communities. Dakota Access will make similar donations to county emergency management agencies across its four-state route, totaling $1 million across 50 counties in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois.
“Boone County Emergency Management greatly appreciates this grant from Dakota Access,” said Lance Kooiker, Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator. “With these funds, communities and local first responders will be better equipped and trained to prepare for disasters. Our county can use these funds to maximize local resources by expanding current equipment capacities and training personnel on core capabilities that ensure we are prepared for all hazards.”
“The Story County Emergency Management Commission was pleased to receive the $20,000 donation from Dakota Access Pipeline. After careful consideration of three potential uses for the funds, the Commission decides to combine the donation with agency funds to purchase a second heavy duty response vehicle for the Story County Emergency Management Agency. This vehicle may be used to move the Command and Communications Trailer purchase with the first Energy Transfer Corporation donation, transport emergency resources to disaster locations, or allow the Deputy Coordinator the ability to respond to incidents in all weather,” said Keith Morgan, Story County Emergency Management Coordinator.
“Polk County Emergency Management Agency intends to use the donation to upgrade some of the technology in the countywide emergency operations center and to expand our public education program,” said A.J. Mumm, Polk County Emergency Management Director.
Shane Voith, Calhoun County Emergency Management Coordinator, said they plan to start a UAV (drone) team using the donation funding.
Webster County will purchase new equipment which could include a drone with a FLIR, said Dylan Hagen, Webster County Emergency Management Coordinator.
“Jasper County EMA is excited to continue working with the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer, and thank them for their support and commitment to safety in Jasper County. As done previously, Jasper County EMA will utilize the donated funds to support projects and initiatives that enhance the capabilities of Jasper County’s public safety organizations,” said Jim Sparks, Emergency Management Coordinator.
Dakota Access Pipeline traverses approximately 134 miles through Calhoun, Webster, Boone, Story, Polk and Jasper counties in Iowa. The company will also be donating to the Iowa 4-H Foundation and the Iowa FFA Foundation. It had made a similar donation of $1 million to county EMAs after the pipeline began service in 2017.
Representatives in attendance from Energy Transfer included: James Torbet, Sr. Project Director of Capital Projects; Butch Till, Manager of Dakota Access Pipeline Southern Operations; Matt Ryan, Operations Supervisor of Dakota Access Pipeline in Iowa & Illinois; and Lisa Coleman, Public Relations.
Energy Transfers partners and Emergency Management Coordinators pictured at the Cambridge, Iowa Fire Station.
(contributed press release, ETP)
