Foley Moves Forward With Safe Room Plans

Work is expected to begin in 2024 on a $5.5-million facility to shelter City of Foley first responders and other officials during a hurricane or other emergency. The city is working on plans for a safe room, where needed personnel could take shelter to be available immediately after a storm. When not used in this capacity, it could be used for training. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said $5 million of the $5.5-million project would be paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grant, approved after Hurricane Sally struck the area in 2020, requires an archaeological study be done to determine if construction would disturb historic sites. That study is to be completed this month in preparation for a summer groundbreaking. Some funding could also be available from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.