Scott City School District in Missouri recently broke ground on an 8,990-sf performing arts theater that will also function as a tornado safe room. The $2.1 million project will be 75% funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The district will pick up the remainder of the tab.
The structure, to be constructed of pre-cast concrete panels, is designed to withstand and EF-5 tornado with winds of up to 250 mph.
The district applied for the FEMA grant four years ago. The project was held up while the district requested additional funding from FEMA after the construction cost estimate rose.
“It's been quite a process in paperwork, but here we are breaking ground,” a school official said. “It's exciting for the community.” Zoellner Construction Co. of Perryville, Mo., is the contractor, and Dille Traxel Architecture of Poplar Bluff, Mo., is the architect.
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