ARCHIVE

USD 408 receives FEMA grant for storm shelter years ago

Sports reporter

Marion-Florence USD 408 and Marion County received news this past week that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved funds for a regulated storm shelter at the new Marion High School gymnasium at the corner of Thorp and Lawrence streets.

The building also will house the wrestling room.

USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker was thrilled when the news came.

"It was a tremendous relief," he said. "Obviously the safety of our students is the top priority. "It also is a tremendous benefit to the value of these new facilities."

Leiker said in order for the district to be approved, the county's mitigation plan for a natural disaster had to be accepted by FEMA.

Michele Abbott-Becker, Director of Marion County emergency preparedness, prepared the plan and sent the application to FEMA.

"She really spearheaded that effort," Leiker said.

Leiker said Monday at the regularly scheduled board meeting, without Becker it wouldn't have happened.

Board president Chris Sprowls said the same of Leiker.

"He had a lot of good employees who helped him out, but it wouldn't have happened without Lee's hard work and determination," Sprowls said. "He is a real asset to the community and deserves a pat on the back."

The shelter will cost $330,000 and be completely funded by FEMA. Leiker did point out that it doesn't free up that amount of money, but without the grant the shelter more than likely wouldn't have happened.

"[The shelter] meets the code of a real disaster," Leiker said.

In order for the funding to be approved, the district had to make sure the elementary students were able to get to the location within five minutes.

"It was determined they could," Leiker said.

Quantcast