The Texas A&M University System has just greenlit a major plan to build 10 storm shelters across the state, with a hefty $254.5 million price tag.
The plan includes $25 million from the university to help snag up to $229 million in Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants from FEMA via the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
"This allows us - for just 10 percent of the cost - to build storm shelters at campuses that will be used as basketball arenas, convocation centers or even lab space most of the time, thanks to FEMA," university system Chancellor John Sharp said in a statement last week.
The shelters are designed to offer top-notch protection against severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes.
Here's what's on the table:
Texas A&M University-Texarkana: A $16.4 million tornado shelter that doubles as a facility for sports practices and community events.
Texas AgriLife Research Station, Beeville: A $10 million hurricane shelter that doubles as space for community gatherings and office use.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Killeen: A $8.5 million tornado shelter with recreational and educational uses.
Texas A&M-McAllen: A $17.8 million hurricane shelter featuring a gym and multipurpose room.
Texas A&M University-Commerce: A $20 million tornado shelter with sports courts and banquet facilities.
Tarleton State University: A $30 million tornado shelter that will also serve as a research lab.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: A $56.8 million hurricane shelter that will double as a 4,000-seat basketball arena, and an area for graduations and guest lectures.
Texas A&M University-San Antonio: A $30.3 million hurricane shelter and athletic center.
West Texas A&M University: A $14 million tornado shelter that will include athletic facilities.
If everything goes as planned, construction could kick off in 2025. The Texas A&M University System is still waiting on more details about the shelters.
