That's a ton of money--Flood recovery may cost Trussville over $4 million

ANITA DEBRO
News staff writer

It may cost Trussville more than $4 million to recover from flood damage caused during a storm that dumped at least 10 inches of water into City Hall.

Mayor Gene Melton said last week that early estimates given to the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest the city needs around $4.5 million to clean and repair the interior of City Hall, as well as replace equipment and vehicles of the police and fire departments lost to flood damage.

Flood waters rose so high at the municipal complex during the May 8 storm that employees and prisoners had to be evacuated.

Officials said the waters were highest and did the most damage to the Trussville Fire Department Station No. 1, which is in the back of the building. The municipal complex is flanked by Pinchgut Creek and the Cahaba River. Flood levels caused the Pinchgut to spill into the complex. [...]

10 inches may not sound like a lot, but when you consider that the floor level of City Hall sits about two feet above the surrounding parking lots, you get a better idea of how much water was in there. But at least the city government has a way to pay for repairs--there is a whole line of small shops along Main Street that were hit just as hard, including a car dealer who stored other people's RVs in a lot in the rear of the dealership. Not very much of a building, but a tremendous amount of dollars sitting out in a big puddle of muck. Three restaurants, two banks, a couple of clothing stores, a mini-storage place, a couple repair shops--all completely unprepared for what happened. Most appear to be working on getting back in business, but it's going to be tough.

Such is life.
posted by Terry at 8:34:00 AM