Hampton will get new generators for three facilities used as emergency shelters during storms, thanks in large part of a state grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
VDEM will provide $416,771 from its Emergency Shelters Upgrade Assistance Grant Fund, while the city and its public school system will provide another $154,148. The total sum of $570,919 will be used to purchase and install generators at the West Hampton Community Center, Bethel High School and Tarrant Middle School.
Hampton is paying $104,471 to match one quarter of the VDEM grant, and Hampton City Schools are adding $49,677.
“Having additional backup power will allow these facilities to be better serve as emergency shelters in case of a power outage, which often accompanies disasters,” said Hui-Shan Walker, the city’s emergency management coordinator. “This gives the city more options for sheltering residents, whether the flood or other disaster is localized to one area or more widespread throughout the city.”
The new generator at West Hampton Community Center will power the entire building. The generator being installed at Tarrant Middle School will power the gymnasium as a complement to the generator at Northampton Community Center. The new generator at Bethel High School will power the air-conditioning system and the kitchen, adding to the current generator that powers emergency lighting and some outlets.
The state grant to Hampton is part of almost $2.5 million in funding that VDEM is providing to 11 localities around Virginia for shelter upgrades and backup generators. For more information, and for a full list of cities and counties receiving grant funding, click here.
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