CHEC has presented the Hatteras Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) with a grant made possible through the CoBank Sharing Success Grant Program. CoBank is a national cooperative bank that serves rural areas.

       The cooperative gave $5,750 to CERT, which was met with an additional $5,750 from CoBank, to help support the mission of providing emergency communication equipment for the communities on Hatteras Island. The money will help fund the purchase of trailers, generators, and communications equipment to operate six satellite internet access points capable of providing internet and phone service at specific locations around the island during a communication outage. Hatteras Island is currently served by a single fiber optic cable that runs in the right-of-way along NC Highway 12. This cable is susceptible to damage during storms and road construction, and has failed several times in recent years.

       CERT was founded in 2011, after Hurricane Irene. The non-profit currently has about 40 volunteers who are prepared to assist the community in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane or other emergency situation on Hatteras Island.

      This donation was made possible through CoBank’s “Sharing Success” charitable contribution program, which celebrates the vital role that cooperatives play in individual communities across the country. Concern for community is a long-standing cooperative principle. CHEC is happy to join CoBank in support of this worthy cause, as the cooperative works to provide value to members and support to the communities on Hatteras Island.