The Claiborne County Emergency Operations Center will move out of a trailer and back into its stationary building with a $750,000 grant from the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security.

“We’re going to use that money to remodel our old facility’s roofing,” said Claiborne County Emergency Management Director Marvin Ratliff Sr. “Right now, we’re occupying a trailer outside our EOC facility. To move back inside would give us the safety factor of being able to withstand heavy winds.”

Renovations to the 27-year-old facility, at 2033 Mississippi 18 in Port Gibson, will include mold and mildew removal and new interior finishes, plumbing and wiring. Freshwater backup systems and emergency power generators also will be replaced. The facility was abandoned in 2005.

He said he fears the trailer could be rendered inoperable in the event of a disaster.

“It will put us in the condition to operate should we need backup water or power without having outside access to those things,” Ratliff said. “We can stay there and give advanced warnings during a storm or natural disaster.”

Overseen by the United States Department of Homeland Security, the funds are part of a $200 million federal program aimed at improving emergency management at state and local levels.

Main Street residents get OK to alter home

The owners of a home on Main Street will be allowed to enlarge a room and make changes to the front of the building following action Tuesday by the Vicksburg Board of Architectural Review.

Alonzo and Linda Stevens wanted to enlarge a rear bedroom and enclose a sun porch and add a carport in the front of their home at 1320 Main St. Because the house is in the city’s Main Street Historic District, the couple needed the board’s approval under city ordinance before moving on the project.

Board member Betty Bullard said the board’s approval requires the Stevenses to use the same materials as in the rest of the house and ensure the porch and carport follow the architectural lines of the house.