Washington County, Minnesota — Emergency Service Profile (ARES)

Mission:
Interoperability with county emergency management for flood, severe weather, and mass sheltering scenarios.

Who we serve:
Washington County is a fast-growing, mixed urban-rural county with nearly 280,000 residents and significant commuter traffic. Its geography (river valleys, suburban sprawl) and projected growth demand a robust emergency communication infrastructure.

Major Cities: Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Stillwater (county seat).
Critical Infrastructure:
– Transportation: I-94, I-494, and Hwy 61 corridors → vital for evacuation and supply routes.
– Natural Features: St. Croix River → potential flood risk, requiring ARES support for shelters and coordination.
– Emergency Services: Multiple hospitals, fire districts, and law enforcement agencies spread across suburban and rural zones.

ARES operators prioritize:
– Wide-area UHF /VHF coverage for suburban hubs.
– Simplex contingency planning for rural/river valley zones.
– Interoperability with county emergency management for flood, severe weather, and mass sheltering scenarios.
– Digital and redundant communication capabilities to augment service agencies during an incident.