JOPLIN, Mo. —
Joplin officials are as impatient as everyone else to see the replacement of street signs and signal lights lost in the May 22 tornado, David Hertzberg, public works director, said Thursday.
He said the city is close to getting approval for federal funding for the work, and officials expect to advertise next month for a contractor to replace the dozens of signal lights and more than 2,000 street signs that once stood in the disaster area.
The city has been able to get funding more quickly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for other needs, but funding for the signs and signals will come from the Federal Highway Administration.
Hertzberg said the highway agency has steps for emergency funding when it comes to damage from flooding, but not from tornadoes.
“Most of the signals are in the FHWA system, so we’ve had to go through all the steps and now we’re waiting for final approval,” he said. “We’ll have to advertise for bids and wait 21 days, then take it (recommended bid) to the council.”
He said the street signs lost were valued at $150,000, the traffic signals at close to $1 million.
The signal lights controlled 17 intersections in what became the disaster zone.
Immediately after the tornado, city crews identified roads for emergency crews and volunteers with a painted grid system at each intersection. In addition, free-standing stop signs were placed at intersections that had damaged signals.
Hertzberg noted that the street signs were especially missed because motorists relied on landmarks that also were lost in the tornado.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this time, and I know everyone will be pleased to see these signs resurrected and signals back in place — including our city staff,” he said.
Signs
City crews have erected hundreds of temporary signs since the storm, said David Hertzberg, public works director. Those signs, along with the placed stop signs, will remain until the final replacement signs are installed.
May 2011 Joplin tornado
Joplin officials close in on funding to replace street signs, signals
- May 2011 Joplin tornado
-
-
Disaster response team to hold tornado memorial ride
A group of motorcycle enthusiasts who focus on disaster relief plan to hold a motorcycle ride through Joplin on the second anniversary of the May 22, 2011, tornado.
-
SLIDESHOW: One year later, One day of unity, updated
Photos from a day of events commemorating the May 22, 2011 tornado anniversary
-
Interfaith service explores different faiths
The interfaith service, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Joplin’s Landreth Park, will explore the theme of “Different Faiths — One Community.’’ The community service is held around the anniversary of the May 22, 2011, tornado, but organizers say the focus is not specifically on the tornado.
-
St. Mary’s breaks ground to replace structures destroyed in 2011 tornado
Ground was broken symbolically Thursday to mark the beginning of a new chapter in the life of St. Mary’s parish in Joplin. “Our life is full of many chapters, and so is our parish,’’ said Bishop James Johnston, with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
-
Attorney general files suit against California contractor
Attorney General Chris Koster on Thursday filed a lawsuit against a California man, alleging he failed to provide construction materials and home repair services that had been paid for by victims of the Joplin tornado.
-
Employees of local businesses chip in again with Rebuild Joplin
Precariously perched at the top of a ladder, Jack Quinn maneuvers himself into a position where he can hammer a nail with one hand and stabilize his balance with the other. Catching his breath, he said, “I’m pretty sure I know the reason I’m not a carpenter.”
-
Joplin board issues remainder of $62 million in bonds
The Joplin Board of Education on Tuesday authorized the sale of $27 million in bonds to help pay for the rebuilding of schools destroyed by the 2011 tornado.
-
Joplin’s rebuilding numbers show no signs of letting up
Though it has slowed from its peak, Joplin’s rebuilding boom shows no signs of letting up.
Building permits totaling about $766 million have been issued by the city of Joplin since the May 2011 tornado. That includes $51 million in the five months since November, which marks the beginning of the city’s fiscal year. -
State allocation would repair Joplin curbs, gutters
Joplin would receive $15 million to repair and replace damaged curbs and guttering under a bill approved by the state Senate. The bill has been sent to the House for debate this week before a final decision is made by the Legislature.
-
VIDEO: Youth group builds home to be assembled in Joplin
When the trucks from Elgin, Ill., roll into Joplin in early June, they will be carrying more than just volunteers and a lot of good will. The youth group from Elgin’s First United Methodist Church also will come bearing a house. The group first traveled to Joplin in July 2011 and helped with debris cleanup after the May 22 tornado. In October of that year, the group returned to help a resident put siding on her house.
- More May 2011 Joplin tornado Headlines
-
