STORM2K

I havent heard anything in the news lately about the recovery efforts taking place in Missouri and Tennessee and all the other states that were pounded at the beginning of the month from the severe weather. Does anyone know how the efforts are going and if any of those small towns (Pierce City, Missouri, for instance) are going to be able to recover fully from the system that struck. I remember hearing when this was all going on that someone mentioned, once this is over with, all the tv crews are going to leave and no one will know what is going on. I was just wondering if anyone know anything about what is happening out there. Thanks all!

Tom

you could try going here http://www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/Events/2003 ... 0403.shtml and at the bottom of the page, email the webmaster for this site who might be able to direct you to ESDA information regarding the cleanup effort. a shot in the dark as i have never written this wx office but overall they are usually pretty good in responding... p

I can let you know what is happening probably better than anyone. Stockton, Missouri is rebuilding nicely and life is slowly getting back to normal there.

In Pierce City, it is a different story. FEMA has been a little aggrevating to the community. They have had to let go of 1 police officer (they only had 4) and may have to let their new fire truck go back because sales tax isn't being collected enough to make the payments on it. The reality of what has happened has sunk in and many people don't know what will become of the town. Two of the businesses have already moved into Monett: one temporarily and the other permanently. The main thing right now is Pierce City needs to get money back into their economy...and quick.

The road through downtown is still closed and many buildings that are left standing are going to have to be bulldozed because they are going to collapse... it is just a matter of time. The town is in bad shape... and I am not sure what it is going to take to rebuild. They are asking for 200 volunteers a day until June 6th. By then they hope to have most of the debris picked up. Then they can start to work on other issues.

Thanks for asking. I should have kept you informed. I will do it periodically!

Garrett

Good luck to all on the rebuilding and emotional recovery!!!