Board approves FEMA hazard‑mitigation grant application to fund a middle‑school storm‑shelter planning phase

The Bettendorf Community School District board voted unanimously to approve a local resolution and move forward with a Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant application for the district’s middle‑school project. The motion, made and carried during the meeting, authorized the district to apply for federal funds to cover the planning phase (architect and engineering) of a required storm‑shelter component; the district will contribute a local match of $13,750.

District staff explained the background: a change in building-code enforcement means new educational facilities must include a storm‑shelter component and the city of Bettendorf indicated the upcoming middle‑school project will require one. The HMA grant would help offset that cost; the district would pay the planning match and the state and federal programs would fund the remainder if the application is successful. Board discussion noted the timing of FEMA funding nationally and that staff will coordinate how the design and timeline fit with the overall middle‑school project schedule.

Motion and roll call: the resolution to apply for the HMA grant and commit the local match passed by roll call 7‑0. Staff said they will return the required forms and affidavits after the vote and continue coordination with design and city officials.

Ending: Staff will follow up with grant paperwork and integrate the planning work with the middle‑school design process; the board recorded the local match amount as $13,750 and authorized signatures for the application.