Groundbreaking Set for Stand Alone Mississippi Medical Storm Shelter

A groundbreaking ceremony is set for the first stand-alone state and regional medical-needs shelter in Mississippi.

The $7.7 million shelter to be located in Wiggins is designed to withstand winds up to 200 mph and contains a negative-pressure infectious disease isolation room. It will provide medical support, shelter and refuge during emergencies and disasters.

The Sun Herald reports officials from the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will attend the Thursday afternoon ceremony.

Funding for the shelter was provided through the Hazard Mitigation Grand Program and partnerships with FEMA, MEMA and others.