Rising Sun updates on Mill Creek trailer-park flooding; county aid, HUD and SBA options pursued

Town Administrator Calvin updated the board on storm damage at the Mill Creek trailer park and the town's ongoing recovery steps. He said the governor declared a state of emergency after remnants of Hurricane Ida and the county inspected damaged properties to pursue potential federal assistance.

Calvin said the county's damage assessment did not meet the FEMA threshold for individual assistance, but county emergency services and the town are pursuing other avenues: "The next step is, to go through the process of getting financial relief through low interest loans through the Small Business Administration of the state," and HUD has been providing rent subsidies for displaced families. Calvin reported the county told him "all but 1 family has found housing" and that HUD resources are being used for rent or hotel payments while the county continues outreach to the remaining household.

Calvin cautioned that habitability determinations for trailers remain pending: he said FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program participation require enforcement of flood-zone regulations, and rebuilding or returning units depends on meeting applicable criteria. The town will continue site assessments and coordination with county emergency services and federal programs.

Calvin also noted a separate agenda point: a new house on Walnut Street by James Church is scheduled to break ground Oct. 22, with approvals in order.