Joplin construction nears $1.1 billion since tornado

Three years after the May 2011 tornado in Joplin, investments in new construction and repairs have crossed the $1 billion mark.

According to the Joplin Globe, permits on file with the city of Joplin total nearly $1.1 billion in development efforts, and half the work is tied to hospital and new school construction.

During fiscal 2012, a record $555 million in building permits were filed, while permits tallied around $200 million on average in 2011 and 2013. Building has slowed nine months into fiscal 2014, with $72 million in building permits filed to date.

The Globe reports Joplin High School is scheduled to open Aug. 25, and Mercy Hospital Joplin is expected to open next year.
 
Read more from the Joplin Globe.