Plans for a shelter to protect first responders during hurricanes and other emergencies are moving forward.

The building, which will feature a full-brick facade, is expected to cost nearly $6 million. A grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will cover about $5 million of the cost. While the grant would have allowed for a less-expensive Exterior Insulation Finishing System with partial brick coverage, city officials opted for an all-brick design to reduce maintenance expenses. Foley City Council approved the design of the facility at a recent meeting.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the structure will be both practical and in line with the aesthetics of the surrounding area.

"The building is going to look very good," Hellmich said. "It's very well designed from that standpoint. It will be low maintenance. It will blend with the area."

The city has been working on the project for more than four years. With council approval secured, officials are pushing to finalize plans and submit them to FEMA.

"It's important that we go ahead and move this forward so that we can get this to FEMA," Hellmich said. "The faster we get this to them for approval, then our architects can start getting this thing designed and then hopefully out to bid."

Once built, the facility will provide a safe location for firefighters, police and other emergency personnel to take shelter during storms. When not in use for emergencies, it will serve as a training center for first responders.