County judge addresses Gravette Kiwanis Club
GRAVETTE — County Judge Barry Moehring was the guest speaker for the regular meeting of the Gravette Kiwanis Club on Friday morning, July 19. Moehring recapped events on the day of the May 26 tornados and gave an updated report on cleanup and recovery efforts.
Moehring, using a slide presentation, recalled how the day of the storms played out and explained how the Small Business Administration responded. He said over 500 applications for assistance were received, and $1,000,000 in grants have been provided, but unfortunately, grants are not given to agricultural operations.
Moehring said that a lot has been learned as a result of the tornados. “We need to be prepared,” he said, “and we have a lot to learn in recovery efforts.”
Moehring said it is remarkable that there were no more fatalities in the county. Five deaths were attributed to the tornados. Seven declared tornados were recorded, with one being 1.8 miles wide, the widest in Arkansas history. It was on the ground for 22 minutes. This tornado was anticyclonic, spinning in the opposite direction of most. Straight-line winds of 80 to 90 miles per hour also caused damage that day.
Moehring shared data from the Orion damage assessment report. He reported 88 homes were destroyed in the county, 356 had major damage and over 1,100 suffered minor damage. He said 852 active 911 calls were received, and the county 911 system was “overwhelmed.”
The judge praised the sheriff’s office, local fire and police departments, and emergency medical personnel for their quick response. He also reported the road department response was good and said it was “pretty impressive” the way they tackled the cleanup work. “It was quite the deal getting roads open,” he said.
A county storm relief website was utilized, representatives of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Association) were on the way by 8 a.m., and a federal disaster declaration was made by Friday, which Moehring said was “pretty quick.”
Moehring said that 5,000 county residents have applied for individual assistance, many of whom were underinsured. Six million dollars in assistance has been approved, and 11 million dollars in loans have been granted.
Debris cleanup has been a major job, with 537 miles of road affected on the east side of the county and 34 miles on the west. He said 35,000 cubic yards of debris were collected at county sites and 2,000 cubic yards at public sites. Debris pickup had to be contracted out since the county did not have the proper equipment. Contractors started in the hardest hit areas and worked 12-hour days, seven days a week. It was a “monumental effort,” Moehring said.
Debris to be picked up must be placed within 30 feet of the roadway, and Judge Moehring said pickup will probably continue through August. Seven million dollars has already been spent on debris collection, but thanks to the federal emergency declaration, 75% of that will be reimbursed.
Moehring showed photos of damage at Rocky Branch Marina and other sites in Rogers, Bentonville, and the Decatur area. He also showed photos of the Benton County courthouse, where a tornado ripped off the roof and water poured in, causing much damage.
Moehring shared copies of his letter to homeowners whose homes were destroyed. He said the county has tried to expedite the rebuilding process, but builders still must follow code.
When questioned about how much the county would have to pay out of pocket, Moehring said it would be about $150 million for the public sector, and the private sector cost was “monumental because it includes those who have lost jobs and those who lost their ability to farm.” He said the county has the money because “we are pretty conservative,” and 10% of the operating fund is always in reserve for emergencies.
Moehring concluded by again praising the good work of area first responders, commending the local governments and state representatives for their assistance, and noting that many offers of help are still coming in. These range from offers of loans and donations of pallets of potatoes to people just calling to say, “Me and my boys are available to help, and we have chainsaws. Where do we go?”
Kiwanis Club president Romauldo Torres welcomed all in attendance and thanked Judge Moehring for coming. Kim Hendren led the singing of “God Bless America.” Bob Kelley reminded members that assistance would be needed at the annual Kiwanis pancake breakfast on Gravette Day, Saturday morning, August 10, and Dan Yates reminded members that the district convention would be held in St. Louis in August.