http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-930342.mp3
West Burlington, IA – West Burlington School Superintendent Dave Schmitt says the safe room would be built near the Junior High School gymnasium. He says the roughly 6,000 square-foot structure would be able to hold about 650 people.
"It would have steel-reinforced walls and steel-reinforced ceilings," says Schmitt, adding that "you can even put glass in a safe room, but it's really high-grade glass."
Schmitt says the community would be able to use the shelter during a tornado. He says it could also be used during a severe ice event.
Schmitt says the project cost of the safe room is about $1.2-million. He says FEMA and the state of Iowa would contribute roughly $700,000 if West Burlington's application for funding is approved.
Schmitt says representatives of the city and the school district will start meeting later this month. He says the committee will have to decide how to cover the local match of roughly $500,000 if the grant comes through.
You can hear more about the safe room in West Burlington by clicking the audio link above.