Dive Brief:

• Not many school districts can build theater spaces with money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but the Scott City School District in southeast Missouri is doing it by breaking ground for a really, really strong theater.
• The 8,989-square-foot building will be constructed of precast concrete panels and is designed to withstand the 250-mph blasts of an EF-5 tornado, making it a safe room to protect students and eligible for federal aid.
• FEMA is picking up 75% of the $2.1 million it will cost to erect the shelter/theater.

Dive Insight:

It took the district four years to work through the grant process, including revising how much it needed because construction costs were rising. FEMA had approved $1.1 million, but the district was able to bring other work under the federal umbrella to get the grant up to $1.5 million. The storm-proof portion has to be finished by next April, and the rest of the details by next June.