Park Hills Officials Outline Recovery Efforts After Flooding in Elvins Area

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - City officials in Park Hills are continuing recovery efforts following flooding last Thursdaythat caused significant damage in the Elvins area.

Mayor Stacey Easter shared an update Friday outlining the steps the city has taken since the flooding occurred. According to Easter, city staff met the morning after the flooding to identify the most urgent needs and begin planning for remediation in the affected area.

While cleanup efforts began immediately, city teams also started working on short-term plans to help residents dealing with flood damage. Throughout the day, officials coordinated with outside partners and organizations to develop a broader response plan for recovery.

During those discussions, city leaders learned the flooding in the Elvins area does not meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines for disaster assistance, meaning federal help will not be available.

Despite that setback, city leaders say they are continuing to work with community partners to support affected residents.

In the coming week, city staff and partner organizations plan to visit each impacted property to conduct damage assessments and determine the specific needs of residents. Officials are also working to finalize dates and times for volunteer groups that have offered to help with cleanup efforts.

In addition, the city plans to establish a long-term care committee made up of community stakeholders, non-profit organizations, and city representatives. The group will focus on connecting residents with resources that can assist with long-term recovery.

City leaders are also coordinating a one-stop assistance event where residents impacted by the flooding will be able to meet directly with organizations providing support and recovery services.

Mayor Easter says the city understands how disruptive flooding can be for families and emphasized that the community will continue working together as recovery efforts move forward.

Flood waters began to creep back up Saturday, after torential rain again pelted the area.