If terrorists attack in Snohomish County, they could be met by a new, high-speed attack boat.
Right behind would be police and firefighters, coordinated by two new communications vans, all bought with federal Department of Homeland Security funds.
On Monday, the Snohomish County Council is scheduled to consider the proposals, and could sign contracts for the boat and vans, which are part of a broader Homeland Security strategy for Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.
A decision is due by Thursday; otherwise, the federal money will be in jeopardy.
The two vans will cost $500,000 in Homeland Security money that has been on the books since 2003. The boat will cost about $317,000 under a federal grant approved last year. The vans and boat won’t cost Snohomish County any money.
Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart serves on the committee that decided to purchase the vans and boat.
The boat is equipped to handle emergencies ranging from fighting fires to staging rescues, Bart said Friday.
“Our ports are not secure, and the ferry system is unprotected,” he said. “There will be several of these boats scattered around (Puget) Sound and manned when we go to an elevated security” level.
“If a ferry is attacked, they can also respond quickly. Keep in mind the Navy will protect its ships and base. This boat is designed to meet any threat from the water.”
The boat, called an interdiction boat, is expected to be built in Port Orchard at Safe Boats International. It will be about 33 feet long and powered by three outboard motors. Officials won’t say where it will be moored, citing security concerns.
Large command and communication vans have been bought in other counties, including King and Pierce. Each has received and spent $500,000 in Homeland Security grants on large single vans.
For about the same price, Snohomish County opted for two smaller communications vans, which will look like a cross between a motor home and a beefed-up ambulance.
“The consensus from fire and police was that it might be best to not buy an expensive, fancy vehicle,” said John Turner, Homeland Security program manager for Snohomish County.
“Instead of buying a Cadillac, we’re buying two Chevrolets, but with all the capabilities, and strategically placing them in the county.”
Under the plan, one will be placed in Lynnwood and the other in Marysville.
It’s taken two years to spend the van money, earmarked for urban areas that face a high level of threat of attack with nuclear, chemical, biological, radiological or explosive devices.
“We’re finally getting close,” Lynnwood Police Chief Steve Jensen said. “It’s simply a great acquisition for the county.
“God forbid, if there is a significant terrorism incident in the entire region, we’d be able to function as part of that regional response and communicate with Seattle police and Bellevue police,” Jensen said.
The vans won’t have restrooms, Turner said, the result of a conscious decision made by dozens of local police and fire officials who debated the plans. “We want to have more room for equipment,” he said.
The vans will be built by a Utah firm, Emergency Management Equipment, and the funds will come from the Office of Domestic Preparedness within Homeland Security.
Buying equipment through Homeland Security grants can be a lengthy process and follows careful protocols involving local police and fire officials, and a state review, Turner said.
Even so, a key delay came when county attorneys said the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management – an independent organization – could not be the recipient for the grant funding.
Snohomish County government is in the process of absorbing the independent emergency coordination group. With County Council approval, the county will be the new source named for the contract and funds.
“We’re glad that we’re getting to the point where we can order this equipment and get it into the hands of the men and women who need it out there,” said Gary Weikel, deputy county executive.
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
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