The School Board previously acknowledged its desire to cooperate with and participate in the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations "Shelter" program. In January 2001, the School Board agreed to administer any grant funds received as part of the Emergency Shelter Retrofit Grant Program. The State of Florida, Department of Community Affairs, through the General Appropriations Act for the State Fiscal Year 2005-2006, Specific Appropriation 1508, is offering additional grant funds to the District. The Initative provides funding to improve the utilization of district facilities that have been designated as emergency shelters. The District, through applications prepared by Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center, has been awarded $198,790 in grant funding. These funds will enable improvements to Eisenhower Middle School (Buildings 2 & 5), Mann Middle School (Gym), and McLane Middle School (Gym). Prior to receipt of the retrofit grant funds, the attached "Assignment Agreement" must be processed and submitted for approval.

The District will be awarded $198,790 in grant funding. The grant will provide reimbursement of all costs associated with construction improvements. The District will provide architectural and engineering services and project administration through the Planning and Construction Department. The Grant will allow the District to move closer to resolution of the shelter space deficit. Once the shelter space deficit has been eliminated the District will no longer be required to provide Enhanced Hurricane Protection areas within new construction.