The National Guard Armory building in Porterville is seen in this Google Street View image

The City of Porterville announced Tuesday that it has successfully transferred its Temporary Evacuation Point and Shelter (TEPS) to the Porterville Army National Guard Armory.

Initially, the city’s TEPS was opened at Porterville College on March 10 as a response to evacuation orders issued to the Springville area in response to storm-related flooding along the Tule River.

Preparation for the relocation of the Porterville TEPS began early this month due to Porterville College’s need for its gymnasium facility to be made available for events and graduations by mid-April.

As of April 11 the cities of Dinuba and Exeter have already closed their TEPS located at the Tulare Fairgrounds.

Evacuation orders remain in effect due to the potential for continued flooding caused by continued erosion along the Tule River.

“Thanks to the invaluable assistance and support of State Senator Shannon Grove, State Senator Melissa Hurtado, Assemblyman Devon Mathis, Tulare County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dennis Townsend and Porterville City council Member Greg Meister, the City was able to secure access to the Porterville Army National Guard Armory and establish it as a replacement TEPS location in collaboration and coordination with the County,” reads a press release issued by the city on Thursday.

The TEPS will be outfitted with ADA-compliant portable restrooms and showers, as well as mobile laundry services and animal care and shelter coordination. Custodial services and hourly law enforcement services will take place along with 24-hour security and TEPS resident assistance services.

On Friday at 11 a.m., the Porterville City Council will hold a special meeting in the council chambers at 291 N. Main St. to consider approval of a draft license agreement between the city and the California Military Department permitting the temporary use of the armory.