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Maristown officials detail extensive flood damage and relief steps after storm
Summary
Town Manager told the council that the Riverview Campground and dozens of private properties were heavily damaged in the recent flood; town crews, volunteers and state and federal partners are coordinating cleanup and FEMA aid, and council approved short-term relief measures for residents.
Maristown’s Town Manager reported to the council on Oct. 14 that the town and surrounding community sustained heavy losses in the recent flood, with the Riverview Campground among the hardest hit and dozens of households still needing urgent assistance.
“We had roughly 250 campers in that campground. Most of those campers were either significantly damaged or completely destroyed,” the Town Manager said, describing permanent structures, the loss of a picnic shelter and widespread debris at the campground.
The presentation outlined a list of damaged private businesses and town facilities: the Iron Skillet restaurant took in about 18 inches of water; Clark Storage units were submerged; a vacant property at 126 McGraw internally collapsed; and the town’s wastewater treatment plant sustained roughly $30,000 in identified damage, mostly to motors and compressor equipment, with electrical connections submerged and potential for longer-term problems.
Councilors and staff credited volunteers and partner organizations for rapid response. The town said it had hosted about 350 volunteers in a single day and welcomed 550 Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets who helped with cleanup. Elected officials from the state joined tours and volunteer efforts, and county officials have set up a disaster-relief fund and volunteer coordination site.
The Town Manager described the insurance and FEMA process: the town filed claims with its insurer (expected to deny flood claims where there is no flood insurance) and will pursue public assistance through the county’s FEMA application. “FEMA is really just getting started in this area; they’re focusing mainly on individual assistance first,” the Town Manager said.
Councilors discussed immediate relief and operational recovery: town crews have been running generators and dehumidifiers at damaged municipal facilities; the town provided dumpsters and volunteer coordination; and staff are preparing documentation for FEMA public-assistance claims. The council also acknowledged about 48 families who “pretty much lost everything,” and reported that roughly 30 of those families had been placed in temporary longer-term housing by county partners.
Council voted to adopt a simple, case-by-case utility-relief approach for residents and businesses with unusual water use following the flood, directing staff to make the process accessible and not overly burdensome for applicants.
The council asked staff to continue compiling damage inventories and to bring back specific recommendations for replacement or repair of critical infrastructure once FEMA guidance on reimbursement is clearer.
The meeting record shows the council adjourned after additional agenda items.
Next steps: staff will continue compiling damage estimates, pursue county-led FEMA public assistance, and return to council with prioritized repair and replacement requests.
