Texas A&M System Seeks Federal Funding for Storm Shelters
The Texas A&M system board of regents has officially applied for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the construction of cutting-edge storm shelters. These unique facilities will be designed to provide essential protection during extreme weather conditions, and also double as functional public spaces during non-emergency times.
The board of regents has specifically requested FEMA to cover 90% of the costs related to building these multifunctional storm shelters across ten distinct locations within the state. However, the proposed locations, all located on system property, notably do not include College Station, Prairie View, and Galveston.
Storm Shelter Locations and Purposes
The proposed shelter locations include Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, San Antonio, Beeville, Killeen, Stephenville, Commerce, Texarkana, and Canyon. Given their multi-use design, the shelters will function as athletic facilities, lab spaces, banquet rooms, offices, and community spaces during non-emergencies, depending on the specific location locality and needs.
Texas A&M System Pledges Significant Funds
The ambitious project is estimated to cost around $254.5 million. To accompany their grant application, the Texas A&M University System Regents have given their commitment for about $25 million as matching funds. If their application is successful, they would potentially receive up to $229 million in Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants from FEMA and through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, voiced his support for the project. “This allows us — for just 10-percent of the cost — to build storm shelters at campuses that will be used as basketball arenas, convocation centers or even lab space most of the time, thanks to FEMA,” he said.
Safe Room Construction Plans
FEMA-approved safe room storm shelters are specially designed hardened structures that provide near-absolute shelter during extreme wind events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The Regents have authorized several TDEM-approved safe room projects across the Texas A&M System.
The planned storm shelters are set to house a variety of functions. For example, the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will build a $56.8 million hurricane shelter that will also function as a 4,000 seat basketball arena. Meanwhile, Texas A&M-McAllen plans to construct a $17.8 million hurricane shelter annexed with a gymnasium, activity room, and a weight room.
If FEMA approves the proposed projects, construction is expected to commence in 2025. This strategic step not only establishes the Texas A&M system’s dedication to providing safety during emergencies but also significantly benefits the community by creating multipurpose spaces accessible year-round.
