The City of Southaven has received a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant in the amount of $2,844,362 to design and construct the first community safe room in our City.  Construction of this facility located adjacent to the Arena on Highway 51 near Dorchester Drive began on March 2.  Some of the highlights regarding the safe room are as follows:

• Total square footage is approximately 12,777.
• Useable square footage is approximately 9,069.
• Federal funds will provide 95% of the total cost.
• Construction part of the grant is $2,583,526.
• Construction bid for $2,667,000 was awarded to Murphy & Sons. 

The projected completion date will be in Spring, 2016.  This facility is built to provide safety for our citizens during extreme weather conditions.  It will also be available for other City purposes, subject to FEMA limitations, while not in use for emergency situations.