A $5 million hurricane-resistant shelter at Covenant Christian School in Conroe is expected to be completed in July, providing a safe haven for first responders during major disasters.
A long-awaited $5 million hurricane-resistant shelter in Conroe is expected to be completed in July, providing critical protection for first responders during major storms, officials said.
The facility, under construction at Covenant Christian School, was first announced in 2020 as a joint effort between Montgomery County, the city of Conroe, and the school. The project faced delays, including disruptions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is now nearing completion.
County emergency officials say the structure will serve a dual purpose, operating as a school gymnasium under normal conditions and transforming into a hardened shelter during hurricanes and other disasters.
“During normal operations, the dome will serve students and school activities, but during hurricanes and other major disasters, it will provide a hardened shelter for first responders,” said Jason Millsaps.
The 19,000-square-foot concrete dome is designed to provide what officials describe as “near-absolute life safety protection,” capable of withstanding winds exceeding 200 mph. The facility will accommodate more than 650 emergency personnel who may be unable to evacuate during severe weather events.
“By giving emergency personnel a safe place to ride out a storm, we can position local, regional, and state resources to deploy immediately,” Millsaps said.
The project is largely funded through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which covered 75% of construction costs. Covenant Christian School provided the remaining 25% match.
School officials have emphasized the broader community impact of the project.
“We want our school to serve the community and be here for our first responders,” said Glenn Slater in a previous statement.
The shelter was approved following lessons learned from Hurricane Harvey, which stressed the importance of resilient infrastructure for emergency personnel who must remain in place during storms.
Under the agreement, the school will maintain the facility for 30 years at no cost to the county. The structure will also offer protection against fire, termites, rot, and extreme weather.
Officials describe the project as a “win-win,” combining community safety with expanded school facilities.
Once complete, the bunker is expected to enhance emergency response capabilities across Montgomery County while providing a long-term resource for both students and first responders
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