New Storm Shelters Open In Mississippi County Today

George County, Miss., will officially open two new storm shelters Tuesday in Agricola and Benndale.

The county began the construction of the shelters two years ago. The $3.2 million project was paid for with a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.

Each shelter is about 3,800 square feet with 12 inch thick concrete walls that are able to withstand winds up to 200 mph. Each shelter will be able to house 139 people during a hurricane.

Board of Supervisors President Kelly Wright tells WLOX-TV in Biloxi that construction of the shelters marks one of the largest public safety projects in the history of the country.

Officials say the location of the shelters at the east and west sides of the county are also an asset.