No SEMA funds for private storm shelters

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - The State Emergency Management Agency has rejected funding for individual storm shelters, but SEMA says it will earmark $20 million to build community safe rooms in Joplin.

Assistant City Manager Sam Anselm told The Joplin Globe (http://bit.ly/zbHOgL) that SEMA told him Friday of the decision regarding the city's request for grants to fund individual safe rooms. He said the email from the state said the state is focusing on community-sized safe rooms.

SEMA spokesman Mike O'Connell said SEMA has allocated more than $20 million to provide community safe rooms at schools and other community facilities.

About 630 residents had signed up on the city's website indicating they were interested in possible funding for individual storm shelters as a result of the May 22 tornado that killed 161 people.