Informational meeting set for April 3 for Bollinger Co. tornado, flood victims
BOLLINGER COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – An informational meeting is set for the Bollinger Co. tornado, and flood victims of Bollinger County, Mo. at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Bollinger County Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) on Wednesday, March 20.
The LTRC scheduled an informational meeting for families and individuals impacted by the 2023 tornado and flood.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday April 3, in the safe room of the Bollinger County Health Center from 5:30-7 p.m.
The LTRC has several goals for the meeting: to ensure everyone directly impacted by the tornado and the flood has an opportunity to speak to a caseworker, to answer any questions regarding the USDA Watershed Protection Program buyout, to inform residents and natural disaster victims about progress and resources, and to demonstrate good stewardship of funds.
The informational meeting will include an update from Nicolle Hahn of the LTRC on progress, barriers, and funds. Margaret Yates and Lydia Keller with the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission will give a presentation regarding the government buyout process and options.
The LTRC has asked East Missouri Action Agency, a respected organization in the Bollinger County community, to partner with Catholic Charities in expediting the processing of requests as well as providing in-person assistance. Caseworkers from East Missouri Action Agency and Catholic Charities will attend the meeting to assist with funding requests and additional needs.
Like many Bollinger County residents, members of the LTRC have been concerned with various obstacles and delays in the recovery process.
The LTRC was advised at the beginning of this process that there are several stages to long-term recovery. However, the impact of the flood on August 14, 2023, further complicated the recovery process and timeline.
“It was literally a perfect storm. Everything that could have gone wrong did,” said Kevin Cooper, the Director of the Bollinger County Emergency Management.
The LTRC recognizes the challenges of recovery efforts and the frustration of the community.
The delays caused by multiple natural disasters, difficulty understanding and accessing case management, as well as the confusion of various resources and regulations, such as unclear buyout options and points of contact, have prompted the committee to host the informational meeting.
The LTRC will have more information in the coming week on how to make appointments at the local EMAA outreach office. Anyone needing immediate assistance should contact Debbie McFarland, Community Service Representative – Bollinger County, at 573-238- 4220 Monday through Thursday 8am to 4pm. The LTRC will make available a recording of the meeting for those who are unable to attend, or in-person appointments can be made at the local EMAA Outreach Office.
