Friends,

Today marks two years since a significant EF-3 tornado tore a path through Little Rock neighborhoods and left millions of dollars in property damage in its wake. 

On this second anniversary of the March 31, 2023, tornado, we are reminded of the selfless sacrifices of those right here in our community and around the world who answered the call to help their friends and neighbors in need. We again express our thanks for our City team members who sprung to action during response, recovery and rebuilding.

As you know, Fire Station 9 in the Walnut Valley neighborhood was destroyed by the tornado. Before they even had a chance to survey the damage to their own firehouse, our heroic firefighters went to work to assist impacted individuals across the street. We will always remember this act of service above self. 

This morning at 10 a.m., we will host a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new Fire Station 9 at the same location. This structure will stand as a lasting symbol of our community's resilience.

Whether in Walnut Valley, Colony West, Foxcroft, Kingwood or any point along the tornado's path, we've seen robust recovery over the last two years. Still, as with any natural disaster, there's more work to do.

In addition to Fire Station 9 replacement, we are working on plans to fully rebuild Reservoir Park. The pavilion there has been reconstructed, with work to build back the playground and resurfaced tennis courts on tap for the months ahead.

At Rock Creek Park, we are partnering with The KKAC Corporation to restore Rock Creek Trail off Bowman Road. On Saturday, April 5, volunteers will plant thousands of oak tree saplings to help restore the lost tree canopy. The public is invited to help us with this effort, starting at 9 a.m. 

Meanwhile, the Little Rock Housing and Neighborhood Programs Department is currently seeking community feedback as the City develops a spending plan for a $20.89 million federal disaster recovery grant. This Community Development Block Grant funding is to be directed toward disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation from the tornado.

Impacted residents are being asked to complete a survey to assist us in the planning process. In addition, a public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Agape Church, 701 Napa Valley Drive. There, residents can provide input as to unmet post-tornado needs.

Throughout reconstruction, the City of Little Rock has waived permit fees for property owners in the tornado zone. Thus far, we have waived more than $255,000 in fees from 528 total building permits. With reconstruction and recovery a priority, we will continue to waive fees in the tornado area.

Little Rock, we have come a long way since that impactful day two years ago. Let us keep moving forward together, united, as we celebrate milestones like the reconstruction of our fire station, and as we honor those who have served their community through this ongoing recovery process.
 

• The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, April 1, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall, 500 W. Markham St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock's Facebook and YouTube pages.
• The monthly Little Rock Historic District Commission is Thursday, April 3, at 4 p.m. The Commission meets in the Board Room at City Hall. 
• The City's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs Residents Academy continues Thursday, April 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center. This free, five-week program is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the City's code enforcement division and the services provided by team members in code enforcement.
• As mentioned earlier, the City is partnering with The KKAC Organization to "re-leaf" the Rock Creek Trail, which was impacted with significant tree loss during the 2023 tornado. The tree planting event is Saturday, April 5, starting at 9 a.m. at the Rock Creek Trail trailhead, 200 N. Bowman Road.