WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) announced that the Sikeston R-6 School District is receiving a more than $1 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to build a community safe room.

“Safe rooms are a lifeline for Missourians who live in areas that are often hit by severe storms and tornadoes,” said Blunt. “This project has been a years-long priority for the Sikeston community, and I’m glad they will have the funding they need to build this life-saving facility.”

The grant will fund the construction of a new community safe room at the Sikeston R-6 School District - Kindergarten Center Campus in Sikeston. The school safe room will have a maximum occupancy of 492 and will also serve as a performing arts center/multi-purpose space.