Recognizing the need for a unified command post during any sort of large scale event, emergency coordinators Jeff Kelly of South Whitehall and Grant Grim of Upper Macungie have been working for two years to gather information on mobile operations vehicles.

The two townships plan to share equally the cost and use of the $450,000 emergency command center which may be deployed during weather events, fires, community gatherings, police DUI checkpoints and SWAT maneuvers.

Although its primary purpose is to provide a central communications post during emergencies, the unit can be used regularly for training purposes at Dorney Park, high school athletic events, and occasions where large numbers of people are present.

At the Sept. 4 meeting, South Whitehall commissioners expressed approval for the purchase of the mobile command post.

"I think its the best money we can spend right now," Commissioner Thomas Johns said.

Prior to the vote, board president Christina "Tori" Morgan asked whether the Lehigh County command vehicle would be available to South Whitehall.

"You want to be in control of your own destiny," Kelly said. "There could be five or six municipalities wanting it at the same time. It is about 20 years old and needs upgrades."

Morgan explained the need to work out legal details for use and maintenance of the vehicle purchased by South Whitehall and Upper Macungie.

"It needs to be very clear and well-defined for both municipalities," she said. Also, if we allow others to use it, do we charge for it?"

South Whitehall Solicitor Joseph Zator said an intergovernment agreement can be prepared to outline responsibilities and regulations to govern the command post and its use.

Commissioner David Bond mentioned the importance of using the vehicle and training with it at non-emergency events, such as walk-athons, football games, community occasions and Dorney Park big days.

South Whitehall already has $50,000 allocated in its 2013 budget to apply to the cost of the command vehicle.

A similar amount will be set aside for the project for the next four years.

Kelly said he has spoken to corporate officials and has received verbal commitments of financial support from half a dozen of them.

Since the affirmative vote has been made, Kelly said he can approach businesses with a definitive OK for the project.

"I'll tell them we're serious," Kelly said. "We're going to move forward. Can you guys help us now?"

He said Parkland School District administrators have shown interest but are not certain about a funding commitment due to their tight budget situation.

Kelly said the next step will be to assemble emergency responders together to plan what they need in the command post and to select a vendor to help design it.

The unit will likely be equipped with radios, Internet access, a weather station, satellite, phone lines, cameras, monitors and a conference seating area for emergency personnel.

"We have a conceptual idea of what its going to look like," Kelly said. "We were waiting for the budget approval."