Construction Expected to Begin in August With Completion in 12 to 14 Months

(UCBJ) – The groundbreaking of the new Putnam County Expo Center-Disaster Relief Facility on Tennessee Avenue next to the Putnam County Convention Center was a success, according to a release by Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter.

Officials gathered to celebrate the “building infrastructure that will make a difference for generations to come.”

“This project is about preparing for the future while continuing to invest in the growth of Putnam County,” said Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter.

The approximately 67,000-square-foot facility will host large-scale tourism events designed to attract visitors and serve as a disaster relief center during emergencies.

The building will feature:

  • emergency power backup
  • bathroom and shower facilities
  • a full kitchen with food preparation capabilities

“The new Expo Center will give us the ability to host larger tourism and community events that benefit our local economy, while also ensuring we have a modern, fully equipped facility ready to serve our citizens during times of disaster,” according to Porter.

A $8.75 million Federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant allowed for the facility’s construction, which is scheduled to begin in August with an estimated completion timeline of 12 to 14 months.

“Thanks to this federal grant, we’re building infrastructure that will make a difference for generations to come,” according to Porter.

Photo courtesy of Randy Porter.

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