Local sports nonprofit pitches multi-use campus anchored by FEMA-funded safe room

Pierre Alexander, representing the Robertson County Sports Alliance, told the commission on Nov. 17 that his group seeks to build "Generations Next Academy," a multi‑use campus anchored by a concrete safe room intended to shelter residents during severe storms.

"The pillar of that whole... campus is gonna be a... safe room that can house or protect 1,622 people in this community," Alexander said, describing the core element as a FEMA/hazard‑mitigation-funded concrete structure. He said the grant application—about $5,800,000—covers the safe room but is a 75/25 funding model and that the nonprofit must raise a 25% local match. Alexander said the campus later phases would include daycare, additional athletic fields and courts, and community programming.

Commissioners and residents asked about timeline, traffic and site logistics. Alexander said his group filed the hazard‑mitigation grant on Sept. 5 at FEMA's request and estimated, after architecture and geotechnical work, doors could open in two to three years if funding and approvals proceed. On traffic and emergency access he said the nonprofit is coordinating with Emergency Management (EMA) on an evacuation plan and with the developer on road improvements; Alexander added some infrastructure work, including parts of new street construction, would be a joint effort with the developer and other partners.

Alexander emphasized the nonprofit expects to conduct fundraising and to use private donations to cover facilities not included in the grant (for example, athletic courts or gym finish work). Commissioners complimented the proposal and asked staff to keep the commission informed as the project and grant review proceed.