FEMA Approves Grants for 1,159 Alabama Storm Shelters

A federal agency has approved grants to fund 1,159 new storm shelters at homes in Alabama following the deadly tornadoes last April.

The Birmingham News reports that’s just over one-fourth of the more than 4,000 homeowners who applied for grant money to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The FEMA grants pay for up to 75 percent of the cost of a private shelter, but not more than $4,000. Grant money is made available after disasters strike in hopes of reducing casualties in future storms.

FEMA spokeswoman Mary Olsen says officials are still processing applications. Recent disaster declarations after storms hit Jefferson and Chilton counties are expected to make more mitigation money available in Alabama.