Key Points
- Marathon Pipe Line (MPL) and Explorer Pipeline helped fund an advanced weather monitoring system in Dallas County, Missouri, through grants and donations earlier this year.
- Once installed, the technology will deliver real-time weather data, helping local emergency responders make more informed decisions and better protect residents during severe weather.
- MPL's support reflects Marathon Petroleum's commitment to community safety by helping provide local first responders with resources that can make a lasting difference.
Support from Marathon Petroleum's midstream segment, Marathon Pipe Line (MPL), and Explorer Pipeline is helping Dallas County, Missouri, take an important step toward improving severe weather preparedness by bringing advanced weather monitoring technology to local emergency responders.
Through grant funding and donations provided earlier this year, the companies are helping make the new system possible. Once installed, it will give emergency officials access to real-time information on wind speeds, rainfall and lightning activity.
"As a small rural county, projects like this don't happen without strong partnerships," said Dallas County Emergency Management Director April Garrett. "We are incredibly grateful to Marathon Pipe Line and Explorer Pipeline for believing in this vision and helping us bring it to life. This investment will directly impact the safety and preparedness of our entire community."
"This is something that will continue to serve our community and potentially save lives for many years to come.”
The project began in early 2024 when the county identified a need for more accurate, localized weather information, particularly in areas where traditional radar coverage can be limited closer to the ground. With support from MPL and Explorer Pipeline, the county is now moving closer to making that vision a reality.
"Safety is at the heart of what we do, and that commitment extends to the communities where we operate," said Jayson Nohl, Operations Area Manager for MPL’s Heartland Area. "Knowing this technology will soon help local first responders make more informed decisions and better protect their community is something we're proud to be part of."
The system is expected to be installed soon on the City of Buffalo water tower, where it will help emergency officials monitor changing conditions and make more informed decisions during severe weather. It will also provide valuable information to help protect residents during school activities, community events and outdoor gatherings.
"This is something that will continue to serve our community and potentially save lives for many years to come, and that is, without question, the most important part of a project like this," Garrett said.