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Published July 05, 2008 07:19 pm - MIAMI, Okla. — A year ago today, flood water rushed through this town of 14,000 people, causing more than $42 million in damage to homes, businesses and public property. Miami gears up for suit, but city still vulnerable By Wally Kennedy and Debbie Robinson
wkennedy@joplinglobe.com MIAMI, Okla. — A year ago today, flood water rushed through this town of 14,000 people, causing more than $42 million in damage to homes, businesses and public property. When the muddy, stinking water from the Neosho River receded, city officials declared it time for “an all-encompassing effort to end the flooding.’’ Twenty floods had hit Miami in 21 years, city leaders said, and 14 had been serious. Enough was enough, they said. Taking aim at the Grand River Dam Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa, city officials vowed to take a hard stand against what they called “man-made flooding,’’ brought on, they alleged, by management of Grand Lake. What has happened since? The city has reopened its pool and baseball fields. More than 100 damaged structures have been red-flagged for demolition. Temporary housing in the form of trailers is no longer needed. The town’s college has recovered. Some businesses have relocated from the flood plain. Ground has been broken for 20 affordable homes to replace housing lost in the flood. City leaders also have met with federal and state officials to request a $4.2 million study they believe will lead to corrective measures. But Miami today is just as vulnerable to another devastating flood as it was at this time a year ago. ‘Eyes wide open’ Jim Vaughn, who owns an insurance agency and residence in Miami, believes many people bear responsibility for the problem. “I knew my eyes were wide open when I bought here,” Vaughn said. “I just feel people should be responsible for their actions.” 
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