Redmond will be the base for responding to a range of state calamities — earthquakes, wildfires and more.

A home for the response and training is planned to be CORE3, a facility near Redmond. The “3” is there in the name to stand for the three “Rs” in Central Oregon Ready Responsive Resilient.

The plan is to have an emergency coordination center, areas to practice fighting fires and more in the future to have in place training for train derailments, classrooms, a place to continue government functions and more. It will be for local, state and federal personnel. Redmond Airport has already been designated as the primary support base if there is an earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

CORE3 is a big Central Oregon and state partnership with millions of investment already secured and likely millions to come. Deschutes County has already contributed about 300 acres of county property appraised at more than $16 million near the airport. Commissioners may approve this week a cooperative agreement on CORE3.

Oregon’s immediate emergencies are housing, drug addiction, and many more lesser and greater. Planning and training for earthquakes and wildfires can get left out of the discussion until the calamity comes. CORE3 should help the region and the state be that much more prepared.

There is more about it here: core3center.org.