Russell County breaks ground on new emergency management facility

The new building will serve as the county's central hub for emergency planning and disaster response coordination.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting an imposing, foreboding storm system looming over a small, unassuming emergency management facility, conveying the overwhelming scale of nature's power and the importance of preparedness.A new emergency management facility in Russell County, Alabama, will serve as a centralized hub for coordinating disaster response efforts in the face of the region's powerful natural forces.Phenix City Today

The Russell County Emergency Management Agency held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility in Phenix City, Alabama. The new building will serve as the county's central hub for emergency planning and disaster response coordination, strengthening Russell County's ability to respond to severe weather and other emergencies.

Why it matters

Having a dedicated emergency management facility is crucial for coordinating effective disaster response and preparedness efforts in the community. This new facility will provide a centralized location for the Russell County EMA to carry out its mission of protecting public safety.

The details

The new facility will be located on Prentiss Drive in Phenix City, next door to the county jail. It will house the Russell County EMA, which is responsible for coordinating emergency services and maintaining county emergency operations. The site will also help with preparedness training activities that are fundamental to EMA operations.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Russell County Emergency Management Agency

The county agency responsible for coordinating emergency services and maintaining county emergency operations.

Chance Corbett

Chair of the Russell County Commission.

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What they’re saying

“Our citizens deserve to have the best and obviously what we want for our emergency management officials and all of our public safety public works officials. Everybody else it comes as a safe place for them to go to be able to operate even in the worst condition.”

— Chance Corbett, Chair of the Russell County Commission

What’s next

The new emergency management facility is expected to be completed within the next 12-18 months, providing a centralized hub for the county's disaster response and preparedness efforts.

The takeaway

This new emergency management facility represents a significant investment in Russell County's public safety infrastructure, ensuring the community is better equipped to handle severe weather and other emergencies in the years to come.