Mississippi FEMA Shelter Decision Delayed

The Adams County Board of Supervisors has delayed a decision about funding the construction of the FEMA 361 shelter.

The Natchez Democrat reports bids for the shelter – which has been five years in the planning – came in higher than expected in September.

After cost engineering and working with the potential contractor to reduce the costs, Joseph Zaydel with AEDD-plus – the architecture firm that designed the 10,000-square foot building meant to withstand the wind power of an EF5 tornado – told the supervisors Monday the construction would need an approximately $180,000 contribution from the Mississippi county. The bids submitted were for approximately $3.6 million.

The shelter will be located Natchez High School and will be used by the Natchez-Adams County School District as both a storm shelter and for other school events.