St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer has announced a strategy to allocate the last $12 million from Rams interest funds toward aiding tornado recovery in the city. According to a recent report by the City of St. Louis' Mayor’s Office, this investment puts a firm focus on debris clearance and securing housing, as the city prepares for the coming winter months.
“Private property debris removal and intermediate housing remain top priorities for the Recovery Office,” Mayor Spencer conveyed. In addition to the funding announced, there has already been over $9.5 million dedicated to clearing roadway debris and $10.4 million to stabilize and repair housing, with various sources like ARPA and CDBG contributing to the pool.
The breakdown of this $12 million includes $5.35 million set aside for private property debris removal, including dumpsters for community use, consulting for right-of-entry and site assessments to aid in city-backed demolitions and debris removal on private properties. Housing concerns are addressed with $5 million earmarked for intermediate housing – a measure that will fund the refurbishment of numerous affordable, public, and non-profit vacant units and potentially offer rental assistance to those affected by the tornado. Another $1.65 million will be put towards Recovery Office staffing and consulting services to aid St. Louis in recouping expenses reimbursable by FEMA and the State.
“We are committed to ensuring communities can continue to drive clean-up in their neighborhoods and help impacted residents find safe housing before winter, as families make decisions about rebuilding and secure funding and contractors to repair their homes," Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks stated, according to the City of St. Louis. Future funding discussions with FEMA, the State, the Board of Aldermen, and the Comptroller's Office are ongoing, as the city refines its relief strategy. Mayor Spencer aims to gain approval for this plan at a special meeting of the Board of Estimate & Apportionment set for next week.
