City stresses need for right-of-entry forms

(From the City of Joplin)

As June 17th quickly approaches, the city is once again urging those homeowners with property in the EDR area to sign and return the Right-of-Entry form as soon as possible. Homeowners who are uninsured or under-insured are especially encouraged to return their form, as they may be responsible for any clean-up costs on their own if they miss the deadline.


The most important thing residents can do right now to help us recover is to sign and return the Right-of-Entry form,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. This form will allow government-funded contractors the opportunity to go onto private property and remove loose tornado debris if homeowners are unable to remove the debris themselves or pay for a private contractor to do the work.

To date, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors, using 386 truck units, have removed 448,000 cubic yards of debris, approximately 15% of the estimated total debris in the affected area. The number of truck units is expected to grow as clean-up efforts continue, and as that number increases, citizens are urged to take safety precautions. Allow enough time and distance for trucks to slow down or make turns, maintain enough distance behind the truck when traveling at higher speeds, etc.

Since May 22nd, 30,338 registered volunteers have contributed 143,965 hours to the recovery effort. As a small token for their efforts, the city has purchased wristbands that read, “The Miracle of the Human Spirit – Joplin, MO 2011” that are being handed out to registered volunteers at the Volunteer Reception Center on the campus of MSSU. Free curbside debris removal will take place throughout the summer and volunteers will be needed for the entire time to help residents place their debris at the curb. Anyone wanting to volunteer is encouraged to call 417-625-3543 to get signed up, or report to the south lot of Hughes Stadium on MSSU campus. Large groups are urged to call ahead, however.

Housing needs are also being addressed. Residents of the first temporary housing unit moved in today at Country Acres Mobile Home Community. Plans are moving forward for additional units to be installed at this site, as well as other sites as needed.

Red Cross continues to see a decrease in the number of people staying in their shelter; on June 14th the Red Cross housed 40 people at their new shelter in Webb City. This is a positive sign as more individuals and families are able to find housing in other parts of the city, through friends, family, hotels or temporary housing units provided by FEMA.

Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/cityofjoplin for the latest information provided by the city. You can now also follow the city on Twitter at www.twitter.com/#!/JoplinCity.