City, YMCA seek FEMA grant for tornado shelter

The Ashland Board of Aldermen will meet in a special session this afternoon, Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss and vote on a proposal that could lead FEMA grant for a storm shelter.

The aldermen are expected to approve a resolution that would allow city administrator Lyn Woolford to pursue a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for the proposed YMCA facility to be built at 504 S. Main Street.

A proposed storm shelter would provide space for different programs at the new YMCA, but would also provide public space for community in the event of a tornado or severe storm.

The City of Ashland was a key player in the effort to open a branch of the Jefferson City YMCA to Ashland. The city makes an annual payment and provides field space for YMCA softball and flag football programs.

Southern Boone YMCA director Kip Batye said the potential of a community storm shelter would be a great addition to the new facility. Local YMCA board members advocated for such a space in the early planning stages, Batye said.

The fundraising effort for the new facility is still in the early stages. A kickoff event for the Community Fundraising effort will be held Saturday, Oct. 7 at Ashland City Park.