KODIAK, Alaska (AP) – Construction has begun on a new tsunami center and library in Chiniak.

The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports the new library and tsunami center will replace an emergency shelter, community center and public library that was destroyed in a 2015 wildfire at the same site.

The former tsunami center was built in the early 1990s and was one of the only public buildings in the community of nearly 50 residents.

It also served as a polling place and public library that provided many residents with internet access.

Officials are hoping the building will be completed in time to serve as a polling place for November’s general election.

Chiniak is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Kodiak.

Information from: Kodiak (Alaska) Daily Mirror, http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com

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