The second phase of a collaborative project involving Idaho State University (ISU) and INL is under way. The Disaster Response Complex (DRC) project calls for the construction of a regional/national training center complex in Pocatello that will mimic the features of a structure collapsed by an earthquake, hurricane, or other natural disaster, for the research, certification, and training of first responders. ISU was awarded $1.1 million from the Idaho State Board of Education’s Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) to build the DRC. Seed funding for the project came via a 2018 CAES program development award and a 2018 CAES Collaboration Fund award. The collaboration between INL and ISU provides expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) research. The project’s first phase includes the design of a collapsed structure that would enable the training of first responders in a realistic environment and in multiple scenarios, including the aftermath of earthquakes and hurricanes. Phase II calls for construction of a 6-foot-tall perimeter fence and the delivery of rubble and concrete for the collapsed structure started. Phase II also includes construction of the road to the pad area, erosion control, and more ground work. Here are some recent photos:
