Neither the Royall nor the Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District was successful in getting a FEMA grant that would have covered much of the cost of new construction at the schools.
Called Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, the grant would have paid between 80–90 percent for a dome-shaped structure designed to serve as a community shelter during a tornado or other natural disaster.
But, outside of that, the building also could be used for everyday school purposes. Both Royall and N-O-W considered using the space as a gymnasium, among other possibilities.
Both districts intend to apply again next year.
Royall and N-O-W aren’t alone in having their applications rejected; FEMA approved no similar projects in its Region V, which consists of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
Nationwide, 22 projects were approved, the lowest number in the FEMA competitive grant program to date.
Royall and N-O-W each paid $7,000 to grant writer Jordan Buss for an application for FEMA funding.
