FRANKLIN—Franklin’s Emergency Services department will receive a supply trailer to be used in times of disasters from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, after city council approved a donation agreement Monday night.

Franklin’s Director of Emergency Services Vince Holt told council about the opportunity to receive a donation trailer, or a shelter support unit full of supplies.

Holt explained the trailer would provide supplies in the event Franklin has to open a shelter during a natural disaster.

He said the only obligation to the city would be maintenance on the trailer and keeping the license current, or approximately $250 year.

The grant funds from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission supply the trailer itself and $100,000 worth of supplies.

He came before council asking for permission to sign the donation agreement.

He explained the trailer “would greatly enhance our emergency capabilities in the event of a disaster.”

When asked by Councilman Benny Burgess if this was new to Franklin, Holt said yes, that the grant funds for the trailer and supplies were based on population and if money for the grant held out. “Fortunately it did,” Holt said.