The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) reimburses 75 percent of the total project cost for state-endorsed Community Safe Shelter Initiative (CSSI) projects. The CSSI implements long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

UTRGV Edinburg asked ERO to design a 28,000 gsf, 180-foot diameter, 34-foott high, concrete dome building. The facility was designed to serve as Incident Command Center for Hidalgo County-area emergencies and, when required, even as a storm shelter. The structure was designed to withstand 130 mph weather and double as the UTRGV Environmental Health & Safety Department offices and classrooms.