can remove it.
Mayor Spencer Announces $19.2 Million Plan for Tornado Recovery and Debris Removal
In a crucial move to aid in the recovery from the devastating May 16 tornado, Mayor Cara Spencer has unveiled a plan to invest $19.2 million in the next phase of rebuilding efforts. This includes a new contract to ramp up the City’s debris removal efforts.
The plan, which consists of $18 million in allocated Rams funds and $1.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, will be used to support various areas of recovery. These include $2.5 million for resource hubs to provide essential needs such as meals and supplies, $2.2 million for unmet needs like storage of personal belongings and rental assistance, $5 million for home repairs for those who are uninsured or underinsured, $3.5 million for case management, mental health, and legal services, and $1 million for cooling measures through water stations and sprinklers. Additionally, up to $5 million will be allocated for non-profit support, including staffing for resource hubs and distribution.
“The need is urgent, and we have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to put this package together,” stated Mayor Spencer. “These investments are strategically designed to address the most pressing needs while ensuring that our programs do not overlap with FEMA’s efforts.”
The plan will be presented to the Board of Estimate & Apportionment for approval at a special meeting next week. Once approved, the funds will be distributed to City departments and service providers, and the community can expect to see the effects of this plan in action this month.
Creation of Recovery Office
In addition to the recovery plan, Mayor Spencer also announced the establishment of a Recovery Office within the Mayor’s Office. This office will be headed by Julian Nicks, who has been serving as the interim deputy chief operating officer and has been leading the operations side of the tornado response. Nicks will now take on the role of chief recovery and neighborhood transformation officer.
“I am grateful that Julian has accepted this challenge and will be taking on a larger role within the City,” said Mayor Spencer. “I have full confidence in his abilities, and I am eager to see the Recovery Office take shape under his leadership.”
The Recovery Office will now be responsible for leading the City’s recovery efforts, building upon the work that has been done at the Emergency Operations Center and developing long-term plans for restoration and rebuilding. The office will also oversee community engagement efforts, with more information on how residents can play a central role in shaping the vision for rebuilding to be announced in the coming weeks.
Debris Removal Efforts
To expedite debris removal, the City has secured a contract with Spirtas Worldwide to assist with debris removal and hauling. Starting next week, Spirtas will be working through impacted neighborhoods in a grid-based approach, beginning in the northeast and moving west and south.
Residents are encouraged to continue placing debris at the curb for Spirtas and City crews to remove.
