President Biden on Saturday signed into law U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation that will provide $637,195 for renovations, security enhancements, and upgraded equipment to prevent the disruption of government operations at the Emergency Operations Center located at the Fredericksburg Police Headquarters.

This investment — which Spanberger secured as part of the fiscal year 2024 appropriations package — will allow the City of Fredericksburg to upgrade security at the EOC and the E-911 Emergency Communications Center. Additionally, this funding will allow for the installation of new monitors and computer workstations to improve decision-making and access to records, files and electronic communications by EOC personnel.

This funding will also allow the city to install new consoles for dispatchers to manage an increased number of calls and maintain lines with first responders during emergency situations.

“Public services are the backbone of our community. The City of Fredericksburg is consistently pursuing state and federal grant opportunities to offset the cost of core infrastructure priorities,” Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry P. Devine said in a news release.

“We have worked recently with the Federal Economic Development Authority at Riverfront Park and received a $1.2 million award, and with the Commonwealth of Virginia on wastewater treatment plant upgrades and received three awards totaling $56 million. This is exciting news that Congresswoman Spanberger has secured an additional $637,000 award for public safety security enhancements and we are grateful to have such support.”

“We are thrilled Rep. Spanberger has supported in increasing the security of Fredericksburg’s Emergency Operations Center, which plays a crucial role in providing information quickly to public safety,” Fredericksburg Police Chief Brian Layton said in the release. “This grant will greatly benefit our public safety employees and the entire City of Fredericksburg.”

Earlier this month, Spanberger secured and President Biden signed into law more than $12.2 million for 14 community-focused projects for infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and accessibility needs in Virginia’s Seventh District.