Builder Awarded Contract For Hurricane Shelter, Health Clinic

NEW PORT RICHEY - Plans are moving forward for a regional hurricane shelter and health care clinic in Hudson.

The county commission at Tuesday's meeting in New Port Richey awarded a $7.5 million contract to Spring Engineering and Bandes Construction to design and build the facility off Denton Avenue. The project is being funded with state and federal grants.

According to the terms of the agreement, the shelter must comply with the latest federal standards, to withstand winds up to 200 mph and the pressures of an F-5 tornado.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has, however, exempted the facility from the more stringent rules, Assistant County Attorney Jane Fagan said, and the cost of construction may decrease in light of the exemption.

The shelter still must withstand 190 mph winds, but the exemption will allow for significant savings, county officials have said.

An additional $750,000 has been allocated to convert the shelter into a clinic for uninsured and underinsured residents.

Also Tuesday, the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce asked the board to renew its sponsorship of Business Development Week in January. In the past, the county has been a major sponsor, contributing $15,000 to the weeklong event.

Commissioners delayed consideration of the item until next month, when they begin the arduous process of cutting some $22 million from the $1.2 billion county budget. The cuts are needed to compensate for a constitutional amendment allowing bigger property tax breaks for homeowners and to make up for reductions in state funding.

Chamber President Joe Alpine said his organization understands the county's financial constraints and hopes for some kind of contribution. In January, more than 1,000 people participated in Business Development Week.

"We do know it's hard economic times right now," Alpine said. "No matter what the decision is, we intend to move forward with our workshops. It's very important for businesses to get good skills and experience they need to operate efficiently. Much hinges on the success of businesses."

Commissioner Jack Mariano suggested the chamber look to outside funding sources in case the county commission can't contribute.

Commission chairman Ted Schrader asked whether there were other levels of sponsorship.

Alpine said the county could contribute $7,500 and still be a leading sponsor.