City of San Benito employees used a crane Monday to transfer a new generator to the annex building, where it will be utilized in the event of power outages. (Staff photo by Michael Rodriguez)
By MONICA ZUÑIGA
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
The City of San Benito acquired a new generator for its annex building thanks to a grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to Al Wasielewski, the emergency management coordinator who helped secure the FEMA grant, officials plan to use the annex building as the emergency operation center should the city experience power outages in the event of a hurricane or electrical shortage.
That’s where the generator comes in.
Wasielewski, who is also a HAM radio operator and an electrician at the Fun ‘N Sun RV Resort, said he applied for the grant in 2010 on behalf of the city and was approved this February to begin purchases. Under a 75/25 grant, FEMA funded 75 percent while the city picked up the remaining cost for the 100 kilowatt generator. The total cost of the machine, which was installed Monday, was approximately $35,000.
“The city will pay less than $9,000,” Wasielewski said.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of the July 25 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
1 comment
thanks AL your the man