Gulf of Mexico Disaster Response Center

Today, January 22, 2010, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (under the Department of Commerce) started construction of the Gulf of Mexico Disaster Response Center in Mobile, Alabama.

The facility is set to open in 2011, and will function as a center for NOAA’s emergency preparedness, response, restoration, and recovery in the Gulf of Mexico. The facility will be constructed to withstand a major hurricane and be “green” – devoted to conserving energy, water, and natural resources and reducing environmental impacts.

The completion of the Disaster Response Center will allow NOAA to consolidate its Gulf Region disaster efforts and assist affected communities from Brownsville, Texas, to Key West, Florida following disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and also chronic problems like sea level rise. The center will support disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts, providing services that will enhance the resilience of coastal communities and protect lives, property, and the environment.

Over 20 million of us live in the Gulf Coast Region and this center will be able to provide better assistance when we need it most. Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are known as the Gulf Coast states.  Because of its proximity to the subtropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Coast area is vulnerable to hurricanes, floods and severe thunderstorms also affect the region.

If you have been injured while working offshore, please be sure to consult with an experienced maritime lawyer about your case.  Our firm has handled cases in all Gulf Coast Region states for over 45 years.  The maritime attorneys of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers represent injured workers on freighters, tankers, jack up and semi submersible rigs, offshore platforms, cruise liners, and all Jones Act seamen. Contact us for a free legal consultation.