Garrett County Emergency Ops Center Hits Hurdle

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) -- Garrett County's emergency management chief says technical difficulties are delaying completion of a new command center 10 months after Superstorm Sandy exposed problems with the county's emergency response.

The Cumberland Times-News reported in its Thursday edition that a fiber optics communication link to the center at the Garrett County Airport could cost at least $100,000. Director John Frank says he's not sure where the money will come from.

County Commissioner Jim Raley says it's critical to finish the center before wintry weather arrives.

The storm in late October dumped more than 2 feet of snow on the county, leaving some people without electricity for more than week.

State officials said a makeshift command center at the county courthouse revealed a need for faster communication and response times.

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