Grant Approved for Gulf Coast Hurricane Museum
Release Date: July 27, 2000
Release Number: R4-00-07
ATLANTA, Ga. -- A proposed museum on Mississippi's Gulf Coast Gulf Coast showcasing the latest in hurricane resistant technology has received $100,000 in start-up funding from a federal grant program designed to promote both a greater awareness of natural disaster impacts and the benefits of disaster-resistant measures.
The planned Wade Guice Hurricane Museum is to be located at Biloxi, in Harrison County. The facility will feature the latest in hurricane-resistant construction technology, which will be integrated into the museum's education mission.
Thousands of visitors are expected to view the innovative structural techniques yearly through the use of cut-away panels located throughout the building. The museum's site is in an area raked by Hurricane Camille 31 years ago, the last Category 5 storm to strike the U.S. mainland. A Category 5 storm is the severest of all tropical cyclones.
Initial funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation grant program, an initiative that assists community efforts in lessening and preventing losses in life and property that could result from tropical storms or other severe weather events. Regional Director John B. Copenhaver, who announced the grant, said Harrison County and private contributions would fund the rest of the project's cost.
When completed, the museum's mission will include serving as a training center for engineers and other professionals involved in implementing disaster-resistance measures in new construction, explained Robert Latham, director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
Public sector specialists, including building officials, flood ordinance administrators, and emergency managers will be able to team with builders, developers, architects, and engineers at the museum to study techniques and develop implementation strategies.
Last Modified: Monday, 29-Dec-2003 12:13:42