Press Releases

$3.2 million Shelter to be Constructed in Copiah County

For Immediate Release

January 14, 2010

 

Contact: Cory Horton

 (202) 225-5876

 

$3.2 million Shelter to be Constructed in Copiah County


BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI—Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the approval of a grant request from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to construct a $3.2 million stand-alone emergency shelter in Copiah County, Mississippi.

This project will allow the citizens of Copiah County a place for safe refuge in the event of a disaster. The stand-alone, single use safe room will be built at 1060 Epps Lane, Hazlehurst, Mississippi.  It will be built to all applicable Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines, accommodating 1,000 persons in approximately 10,000 square feet of safe room space for a period of up to 36 hours during a tornado or hurricane event.

“During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we quickly learned that there was no substitute for adequate storm protection,” Thompson said. “When completed, this facility will offer the citizens of central Mississippi the most advanced protection currently available during emergency conditions.”

The total estimated cost for this project is $3,210,000.00. The Federal share of construction is $3,049,500.00, with the remaining $160,500 provided by MEMA.  All aspects of FEMA 361 guidelines will be considered including back up water/sewage, backup power generator, restroom facilities, and all other safe room necessities.  The shelter will also be handicap accessible.

 

###