RICHMOND, miss. (WTVA) – Workers demolished a building in Lee County Thursday morning to replace it with a storm shelter.
The location is at Kreisstraße 810.
Building demolished in Richmond, Mississippi. Storm shelter to replace it. Photo date: September 30, 2021.
“Our community is important to us. And that’s what we’re here for, ”said Joe Banik, Richmond Fire Department chief.
He believes this is a big step towards improving the community.
Heads of state awarded a $ 50,000 grant to demolish the building and secure the land.
The planned storm shelter should accommodate up to 250 people.
Two storm shelters are currently located behind the Richmond Fire Station. But these shelters are not enough for public safety, Banik said.
“Out here in the district we lose human lives like in big cities or medium-sized cities,” said Banik. “That’s what we’re trying to do today – protect our neighbors here in Richmond.”
Lee County Supervisor Billy Holland worked with Banik to demolish the building.
Holland said he was looking forward to another grant for the new shelter.
“Anything the county could do; We are happy to help the volunteer fire brigade, ”added Holland.
Banik said the city will also use the new shelter as a multi-purpose center.