New training center construction topped off
Tthe Roane County Industrial Development Board (RCIDB) recently held a topping off ceremony as the last beam was placed on the Emergency Response Training Facility (ERTF) being constructed on Highway 95 in Oak Ridge.
A news release from the Roane Alliance stated the topping off ceremony dates back to the Dark Ages when a tree and flag are attached to the last beam to symbolize good luck, continued growth, prosperity and a safe job environment.
"The Star-Spangled Banner" was performed a cappella by Cindy Eskridge after the beam was raised and secured at the Jan. 11 ceremony.
“We couldn’t be where we stand today without the contributions of hundreds of people,” RCIDB Chairman Jim Palmer stated in the news release, “Nothing like this happens overnight. It takes vision and then years of persistence and dedication.”
Located on Highway 95, the state-funded ERTF will be part of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC) campus, along with the federally-funded training center. The ERTF will provide industrial-focused training that includes firefighting and advanced search and rescue. It will be enhanced with augmented and virtual reality training platforms to provide trainees with exposure in dangerous industrial emergency response scenarios without the need of associated hazardous materials. It will also reportedly help develop approaches for emerging technological challenges and risk mitigation for critical infrastructure.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022. To learn more about the project visit RoaneECD.com/ERTF.
The facilities of the ORTTEC are estimated to create more than 100 ongoing jobs, $40 million in annual income and $2 million in sales tax revenue, according to information shared at an earlier event. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 annual visits to the center are anticipated, which is expected to generate "thousands" of dollars in hotel and sales tax revenue.
Palmer recognized many of the people who have contributed to the project during the opening remarks that included representatives from Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS Y-12), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Department of Energy (DOE); along with county officials, state and U.S. legislators, Roane State Community College officials and the project team selected — Lawler Wood, Design Innovation and Merit Construction, who are working hard to keep the construction job on time and within budget, the release stated.
The Roane Alliance is the umbrella organization over the RCIDB, Visitors Bureau and Chamber. To learn more about the RCIDB visit RoaneECD.com.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: New training center construction topped off