In a move aimed at enhancing disaster response and public safety, the City of Richmond has officially authorized the establishment of a consolidated emergency management agency through an interlocal agreement with Madison County Fiscal Court and the City of Berea. The decision was made during Tuesday evening's commission meeting, reflecting a collaborative effort to streamline emergency preparedness and response efforts across the region.

The agreement, grounded in Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapters 39A through 39F, empowers local governments to create joint emergency management agencies capable of coordinating disaster response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness activities. By forging this partnership, Richmond, Madison County, and Berea aim to leverage shared resources, expertise, and decision-making authority to better serve their communities during times of crisis.