State to provide $4M for Joplin debris removal completion

At yesterday's Joplin City Council meeting, Gov. Jay Nixon announced the city would receive a $4 million state grant to help complete the last 4 percent of demolition and debris removal.

The funding - a community development block grant provided through the Missouri Department of Economic Development - would cover post-tornado cleanup not included under the Federal Emergency Management Agency program.

About 200 structures still need to be demolished, and another 1,300 residential foundations, slabs and other concrete remains must be removed. Less than half of the demolition projects are eligible for FEMA reimbursement, and none of the remaining removal projects are eligible, according to a news release from the governor's office.

“Finishing up this last bit of demolition and debris removal will enable more Joplin families to get busy rebuilding their homes, their neighborhoods and their lives,” Nixon said in the release. “When folks start pouring the foundations for their new homes, it will kick-start the economy not only for Joplin and Jasper County, but for the state as a whole.”

Owners of property needing demolition work are encouraged to contact the city by Oct. 15. Click here to visit the city of Joplin/city council Web site.

[[In-content Ad]]