JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. —
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon outlined plans Tuesday to allot $122 million in state and federal aid to rebuild homes hit by a devastating tornado in Joplin.
The money could start flowing soon to owners of single-family homes needing to be rebuilt or repaired and could continue on a longer-term basis for the construction of additional homes and apartments, Nixon said while announcing the aid at a news conference in Joplin. Most of the state assistance will have to be approved by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, which provides financial incentives to build housing for low- and moderate-income residents.
The May 22 tornado that struck Joplin killed 159 people and damaged about 8,000 homes. The latest state unemployment report indicates that the Joplin area lost about 9,400 jobs in June, largely as a result of tornado damage to businesses.
“Ensuring that residents, and especially families, have access to adequate, affordable housing is a critical part of that recovery process,” Nixon said in a written statement.
The governor wants $22 million to be made available soon for Joplin housing, with about half of that coming from housing commission programs and the other half from the state Department of Economic Development. The housing commission portion would provide developers with financing assistance for construction and homeowners with aid for down payments and repairs. The state economic development agency would provide money through its Neighborhood Preservation Program and Community Development Block Grants.
Nixon also wants the housing commission to alter its 2012 plans for allocating low-income housing tax credits. He proposed that Joplin housing developments be allotted $50 million in state tax credits, which would be matched by $50 million in federal tax credits, spread over a 10-year period. That could mean that other parts of the state would get less housing aid than originally planned.
Tornado: Resources & relief
RESOURCE: Governor Nixon pledges home-rebuilding aid in Joplin
- Tornado: Resources & relief
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Joplin recovery center moves to new site
The Resource, Recovery and Rebuilding Center in Joplin will relocate to a new site, beginning Wednesday.
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One-year insurance deadline approaches for Joplin storm victims
The Missouri Department of Insurance is alerting Joplin residents to the one-year deadline associated with incomplete insurance claims related to the May 22 tornado.
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Events to mark tornado anniversary
A variety of events — ranging from a half-marathon to a presidential address at Joplin High School’s commencement — are being planned for the May 22 anniversary of the 2011 Joplin tornado. Here are some of the events that have been announced:
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Grant aids Duquesne in storm recovery
Duquesne residents affected by the tornado have until Nov. 25 to haul concrete debris to the curb, after which it will be picked up and hauled away.
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RESOURCE: Builders organize event for storm victims, others
Tornado victims who lost homes can meet area builders and survey some of their work during a “Meet the Builders” event today. Seminars on everything from storm shelters to green building will be conducted throughout the day.
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RESOURCE: Governor says state will pay any cleanup costs FEMA does not
Blasting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision against extending, beyond an Aug. 7 deadline, its offer to pick up 90 percent of the cost of tornado debris removal, Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday said he will allocate state money to pay for what FEMA does not.
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RESOURCE: Teams deliver ‘psychological first aid’ on the street
When Daryl Whitecotton came to his front door on Wednesday, he was greeted by his new friend, Susan Myers.
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RESOURCE: Disaster Center to relocate; Friday is registration deadline
The Disaster Recovery Center that has operated for weeks at Taylor Performing Arts Center at Missouri Southern State University will reopen, starting today, in new quarters, according to an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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RESOURCE: Joplin schools celebrate success of Adopt-an-Eagle
The Joplin School District’s Adopt-an-Eagle project has been so successful that each student will have a backpack full of school supplies when school starts Aug. 17.
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RESOURCE: Gov. Nixon unveils $122 million program on housing for Joplin
Gov. Jay Nixon unveiled a $122 million initiative on Tuesday to promote the immediate construction and rehabilitation of single-family, owner-occupied houses, and the long-term development of single- and multi-family dwellings in Joplin.
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