Governor Blunt Awards $1 Million
to Help Ensure Pettis County Students' Safety
SEDALIA, October 2, 2007—As part of Capital for
a Day today, Gov. Matt Blunt presented Pettis County officials with
over $1 million in grants to enhance space designated for use during
a tornado or extreme windstorm.
“These federal grants will help ensure Pettis
County students' safety in the face of severe weather," Gov.
Matt Blunt said. "As we recognize Sedalia as the first Capital
for the Day, Missourians can be proud of the public safety initiatives
making a difference right here in their backyard.”
“In recent history, Missouri has experienced devastating
tornadoes urging Missourians to make important preparations for withstanding
future storms,” Director of Public Safety Mark James said. “I
applaud Pettis County for taking necessary measures to protect their
community.”
Gov. Blunt was joined today by Director of Public Safety
Mark James, Pettis County Presiding Commissioner Rusty Kahrs, Western
District Commissioner Larry Wilson and Eastern Commissioner K. Rod
Lindemann, LaMonte Mayor Bill Herring, Smithton Mayor Jerry Owen,
Judge Rob Liston, Superintendent of Smithton R-VI Schools Andy Henley
and Smithton Board President Kevin Kroeger.
A safe room can be defined as a room within a room or
a hardened room which provides space or refuge. To be effective in
protecting occupants, a safe room is built to withstand high winds
and flying debris, even if the rest of the residence is severely damaged
or destroyed.
The State of Missouri, through the State Emergency Management Agency
administers and disperses the federal funds. The state worked closely
with Pettis County to ensure the project was cost effective before
it was submitted to FEMA for approval.