EOC to be open for F1 race weekend

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It takes a huge amount of coordination, particularly in the area of communication and safety, to stage an international event. In just a few days, that task will take on utmost importance as Austin welcomes visitors to Central Texas for the first Formula One Grand Prix race.

Wednesday, Austin City Manager Marc Ott, Capital Metro , Circuit of The Americas , other Austin and Travis County officials and partner agencies announced the activation of an Area Command that will manage public safety, transportation and other issues

Area Command will include coordinated participation with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Authority, CoTA and most city departments. The Area Command brings together decision-makers to coordinate the flow of information and strategy development, Ott said.

A variety of organizations and government agencies send representatives during an activation, depending on the situation.

“Beginning at 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 15, I will be activating the Operations Center to serve as an Area Command on a 24/7 basis through the Monday evening after the race to ensure that all of our regional safety agencies are working in a cohesive and collaborative way, “ said Ott. “This ensures that all of our experts – including those from transportation, police, Emergency Medical Services, fire and communications – will be in one place to effectively and efficiently manage any issues that may arise during the race weekend.“

Ott said that in addition to Travis County, the city has been working closely with Capital Metro, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the University of Texas, and CoTA, the site of the race.

“I want to thank everyone here today for their assistance and support,” said Ott. “Between our personnel here, those who will be stationed at the track, and others positioned throughout Austin, we’re going to be ready to put our best foot forward.”

Arrival of F1 equipment

Meanwhile, the first plane loaded with equipment for the F1 race arrived at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Wednesday, flown in from Abu Dhabi.

Six large planes each will carry about 200,000 pounds of equipment, all of which will be shipped out after the end of the Nov. 18 race.

Cargo is expected to arrive through Saturday morning, ABIA spokesman Jason Zielinski said.

Race equipment arrivals in cargo have been planned so that the cargo ramp is clear before the next shipment arrives. Having more than one 747 bearing race equipment at cargo is unlikely.

The arrival of 747 jets in cargo at ABIA is not unusual, according to Zielinski, as there is regular service by 747 to and from the cargo area.