The Ark-La-Tex Emergency Management Alliance, a new entity in the tri-state area, is currently preparing for direct support in a major emergency incident. The Caddo-Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is providing excellent support and leadership in getting this organization in place. They are providing initial funding through a grant provided for this purpose. This organization will cover Arkansas counties Columbia, Lafayette and Miller; Louisiana parishes Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River and Webster, as well as Barksdale Air Force Base; Texas counties Bowie, Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola and Red River. The cities of Henderson, Longview, Marshall, New Boston, Texarkana and Waskom are participants as are the East Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Health. Direct support for Harrison County is being handled through the office of Harrison County Fire Marshal. The mayor and City Council of Waskom has provided support for participation in this important organization, which provides the process to develop the needed mutual aid agreements and other information to make this happen.