In response to Sept. 11 and the ongoing threat of terrorism, the Freeborn County Board has decided to launch a project to respond possible bioterrorism, using a state grant.

The project aims to establish the coordination and management of public health planning for bioterrorism, outbreaks of infectious disease and other public health threats and emergencies.

The Public Health Department will be in charge of developing a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan by June next year.

The plan will include procedures for delivering biologics and other pharmaceutical supplies. It will also assure communication methods and contact information within the organization and outside, including local emergency managers, American Red Cross, laboratories and the public.

Other considerations include the development of an Internet communication system that connects local hospitals and gives the county authority to notify of health alerts. And an advisory committee consisting of emergency management, law enforcement, environmental health and local hospital officials, will review the plan.

The $32,584 budget is a part of $16 million in state grants established by an endowment from the Centers for Disease Control.

Other items approved by the county board:

– School nursing contracts with Glenville-Emmons School District, Alden-Conger School District and Hollandale Christian School for the 2002-2003 school year.

– An early childhood screening agreement with Glenville-Emmons School District.

– The final plat of Boulder Ridge Second Addition in Pickerel and Manchester townships; construction of Lateral No. 1 to County Ditch No. 68 and 77; repair and improvement of Separable Part of County Ditch No. 68 and establishment of easement.