JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) – The state of Missouri is providing $2.3 million to help build special rooms at five Joplin schools designed to withstand severe weather.

Gov. Jay Nixon announced the funding Monday in a visit to Joplin.

 

Recovery continues from the tornado that destroyed thousands of buildings and killed 161 people last May 22.

The safe rooms are expected to cost slightly more than $26 million. The federal government will pay nearly $20 million of the total. Local governments will contribute $4.2 million.

The rooms are to be built at the new Joplin High School, East Middle School and the Cecil Floyd, Emerson and New Irving elementary schools.

Missouri is also providing about $500,000 toward demolition of 90 properties in the area where the new high school will be built.