Walker County approves Yerkwood community safe room bid, contingent on state and grant funds

The Walker County Commission on March 2 approved Bid #866 to build and install a community safe room in Yerkwood, but conditioned the award on receipt of $100,000 expected from the State of Alabama (courthouse security funds) and a $20,000 grant from Cawaco.

County Engineer Glenn Peek presented the project and answered commissioners’ questions about scope and next steps. EMA Director Regina Myers said the bid would be slightly cheaper if the county opts for a solar-powered system rather than a gas-powered option: "the bid will be a few thousand dollars cheaper if they go with the solar instead of gas," she said.

Chairman Steve Miller told the commission the project approval was contingent on the two funding sources being secured: "this will be contingent on $100,000 (From Courthouse Security) expected to be received from the State of Alabama and a $20,000 Cawaco Grant for the Project," he said.

The motion to approve Bid #866 as described was made by Commissioner Steven Aderholt and seconded by Commissioner Jim Borden. The vote was recorded as District One: Aye; District Two: Aye; District Three: Aye; District Four: Aye. With no opposition the chairman declared the motion carried.

Next steps: the county will proceed with contract administration and installation planning if and when the state and Cawaco funds are secured; commissioners did not vote to obligate county funds beyond the contingency conditions at the March 2 meeting.