DETROIT (WXYZ) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assessing facilities for the possible conversion into alternate care facilities as part of the effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personnel from FEMA, USACE and state/local emergency management and medical personnel are conducting initial and in-depth site assessments at multiple locations.

"The State of Michigan has asked FEMA for assistance in responding to a critical shortage in hospital space due to the spread of this virus," said Lt. Col. Gregory Turner, Detroit District commander. "We're going to bring the full resources of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our engineering expertise to bear against this problem. That's our mission: to engineer solutions to the nation's toughest challenges."

The USACE performed seven assessments on locations nominated by the state, including TCF Center, the Detroit Pistons Performance Center and two dorms and Wayne State University.

USACE is performing similar assessments in states throughout the nation.

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