Zapata, TX – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $1,000,000 for the construction of a new Zapata County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The funds will be used to provide Zapata County’s first responders, fire department, and emergency services with a new state-of-the-art, centralized facility. The EOC will allow all county department heads to come together during a major disaster for proper and efficient Incident Command System (ICS) response planning.  

Congressman Cuellar secured the critical funding for this project in the FY22 omnibus appropriations legislation. 

“It is important that we show our appreciation to all the first responders in Zapata County and across the nation—not only for the job they do every day, but for their continued sacrifices during this COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial that we do our best to provide these men and women with the best facilities possible so that they perform their duties efficiently and safely,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This Emergency Operations Center will enhance operations and help provide quicker response times. Almost 15,000 residents of Zapata County will benefit from the construction of this Emergency Operations Center. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to secure critical funding for our nation’s first responders.”

"I am eager to work together with Judge Rathmell and Fire Chief Arriaga on this very integral project for Zapata County," said Zapata County Sheriff Raymundo Del Bosque. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of Congressman Henry Cuellar, Zapata County will be able to have a, much needed, Emergency Operations Center in the very near future. This EOC will help coordinate and facilitate emergence services for our county and the citizens of Zapata." 

"I want to convey my gratitude to Congressman Henry Cuellar; I appreciate your tireless endeavor into the department's upcoming plans to construct our county's first Emergency Operations Center. I am thrilled at the prospect of working together with the Honorable Judge Joe Rathmell, Zapata County Commissioner's Court, and Zapata County Sheriff Raymundo Del Bosque and his department on this project for Zapata County," said Zapata County Fire Chief David Arriaga. "I am confident that with the new Emergency Operations Center, we will continue providing the services to our county and surrounding areas." 

With the improved coordination, responders will provide residents of Zapata County with more efficient emergency services and faster respond times. A meeting with an engineer has already taken place to prepare for construction. 

###