The City of Clayton continues to make significant progress in our comprehensive recovery efforts following the devastating May 16 tornado that impacted our community. Through coordinated planning with FEMA officials and strategic partnerships with contractors and specialists, we are systematically addressing infrastructure damage, public safety concerns, and environmental restoration needs.
Our multi-phase recovery approach encompasses immediate safety priorities, federal reimbursement coordination, and long-term community enhancement projects. With FEMA providing up to 85% reimbursement for eligible restoration costs, we are positioned to not only restore what was damaged but to build back better in many areas.
Below is a detailed status report on our current recovery initiatives and the timeline for completion of each project component.
FEMA Public Disaster Assistance
The City of Clayton applied for Public Disaster Assistance in July 2025. This program will reimburse 85% (75% federal/10% state) of costs incurred for the following:
- Debris Removal
- Public Safety (Police and Fire service related to the event)
- Infrastructure Restoration
- Funds expended for tree pruning and replanting will not be reimbursed.
City Staff met with FEMA officials on Friday, August 8 to begin project scoping and the process to submit items for reimbursement.
Sidewalk Section Replacement/Tree Lawn Restoration
Over 210 sidewalk slabs were impacted by uprooted trees during the storm. On August 12, the Board of Aldermen will consider approval of a contract to restore sidewalk sections, repair adjacent curbs, patch pavement, and backfill tree lawns adjacent to sidewalks. This contract required a bidding process for compliance with FEMA reimbursement requirements. The selected contractor will make every effort to restore all damaged sidewalk sections by the end of the calendar year. The project will prioritize sidewalks located near schools or on heavily travelled pedestrian routes.
Wydown Median Restoration
The City has contracted with Lochmueller Group for conceptual landscape design of the Wydown medians from University Drive, eastward to the city limit. This process will result in three designs of varying complexity, from what previously existed to a new concept with public art and other features. These designs will be available on www.engageclayton.com in October 2025. There will also be a public open house this fall to discuss the concepts. Once a concept is selected, the City will engage a landscape architect to develop construction drawings, and the project will be carried out in accordance with FEMA reimbursement standards.
Streetlight Restoration
The City is currently evaluating the damage to streetlight fixtures and circuits. Much of this restoration project will require contracted engineering and professional installation. Individual streetlights that can be fixed without extensive work will be serviced by City crews. Once the initial evaluation is complete, a project will be developed in accordance with FEMA standards and included in our submittal for reimbursement.
Public Irrigation Restoration
A project to restore public irrigation systems will be developed in accordance with FEMA standards and included in our submittal for reimbursement. Most of the impacted irrigation systems were in the Wydown medians east of University Drive.
Tree Stump Removal
The City has begun grinding stumps at approximately 600 locations, with initial work focused around sidewalk replacement areas. Stump removal efforts will increase this fall and are expected to take up to 12 months to complete, depending on seasonal demands and weather conditions.
Tree Pruning
During the initial storm debris cleanup, certified arborists evaluated all City trees in the storm-affected area. This assessment identified trees needing removal, as well as 468 trees requiring pruning and/or rebalancing. Pruning work, supported by contractors, is currently underway and is expected to be completed within six months, weather permitting.
Tree Replanting
The City is working with arborists and the Department of Conservation to develop a citywide replanting plan. This plan will replace approximately 650 trees with a variety of appropriate species and will take up to three years to complete. Procuring this quantity of healthy young trees is challenging and will take careful coordination. Newly installed trees will typically be 2 to 3 inches in diameter, as smaller trees will properly grow into their space within the tree lawn and have a greater ability to grow to their fullest extent in a healthy manner.
