Grant Awarded To Build Storm Shelter In Tupelo

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi lawmakers announce a multi-million dollar grant that will help build a large safe room at Tupelo High School.

Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, and Representative Trent Kelly announced the $2.1 million grant awarded to the city of Tupelo earlier today.

The award includes a nearly-$90k design work grant issued by FEMA in March 2015.

The money will be used to help build a nearly 13-thousand square foot safe room that could protect almost 22-hundred students, staff, and visitors from wind speeds up to 250 miles per hour.

In addition to matching fund requirements, Tupelo will also pay for other non-eligible amenities.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $6.1 million.