CHICAGO – Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), FEMA has awarded $5,287,595 to Springs Valley Community Schools Corporation for the construction of a multi-purpose safe room at the high school. The safe room will have capacity for 826 people to seek shelter during severe weather events. When not in use, the 12,900 square foot space will serve as a gymnasium for the school.
“FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said Michael S. Chesney, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “The construction of this community safe room will protect vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location during tornadoes and other high wind events.”
“We’re grateful to FEMA for their continued partnership in strengthening Indiana’s resilience. Because of this project, residents of Orange County will have a safe, reliable shelter when severe weather strikes,” said IDHS Executive Director Jennifer-Ruth Green. “Our mission at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is to provide a safe, secure and resilient Indiana, and this multi-use safe room does just that for the French Lick community.”
HMGP provides grants to state, tribal and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures following a natural disaster. For this project, FEMA will pay 75% of the $7,050,127.00 eligible project cost. The remaining 25% of the funds, $1,762,531.75, will be provided by Springs Valley Community School Corporation. To learn more about HMGP or FEMA’s other Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, visit www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation.