Using a tree stump-covered Memory Grove hillside as a backdrop, Mayor Deedee Corradini said Thursday that losses in the Salt Lake tornado are now estimated at $170 million.
That's up $20 million from initial calculations.The Aug. 11 twister damaged 387 homes, including five that were destroyed. Debris removal in neighborhoods is essentially complete, Corradini said.
Revegetating Memory Grove remains the largest unfinished task. The mayor is forming a steering committee to study tree replacement in the popular war memorial park. The committee will evaluate not only restoring the park but improving it, including possibly building a Vietnam War memorial. Corradini estimated the cost at several hundred thousand dollars.
Damage to city property aside from trees is minimal. Some sidewalks were pulled up, curbs were damaged by heavy equipment and the Memorial House in Memory Grove had superficial roof damage.
A total of 806 city trees were destroyed or damaged, including 478 in the park.
The mayor estimated city tree replacement will cost $322,400. "These trees mean a lot to our environment, and losing them was one of the saddest aspects of the ordeal. We'd like to quickly replace them."
The city isn't sure how it will pay for its share of the restoration costs. Officials are negotiating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial aid. "There's no question the city will have a lot of costs to bear," Corradini said.
Work in Memory Grove has ceased for now, but tree replacement will begin in the fall. City maintenance crews have returned to their regular schedules.
Downtown roads and buildings came through the tornado largely unscathed. "The city escaped any real serious infrastructure problems," said Rick Graham, public services director.
Wednesday, one of the buildings hardest hit in the Salt Lake tornado went over the rainbow, becoming the merry land of Oz.
Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy and Toto, too, greeted guests on a yellow brick road at the Wyndham Hotel for a "twist-and-shout" bash to hail being back in business.
"We survived with a great attitude and want to celebrate our quick recovery," said Debra Brandsrud, general manager. "We wanted to have a good sense of humor about it."
People stopped by the hotel, which served as a triage center immediately after the twister swept through town, seeking closure on what was for some a life-altering experience.
"It's all about recovery. It's coming out of it," Brandsrud said.
FEMA and state Comprehensive Emergency Management officials were meeting Thursday afternoon to identify and prioritize goals to reduce damages in future natural disasters. The National Weather Service also was scheduled to discuss weather patterns that led up to the twister.
Three people remain hospitalized with injuries suffered in the storm, including Salt Lake resident Dick Fernandez.
The 51-year-old life insurance agent was walking near Temple Square when the storm hit. He recalls someone yelling about a tornado and to grab a tree. Fernandez hugged the closest tree to him at the corner of North Temple and West Temple.
The ferocious wind snapped the tree with Fernandez wrapped around it, breaking his left leg in three places and splitting his nose open. He didn't regain consciousness until after surgery at LDS Hospital. "I don't know what happened to me. My body was in bad condition, but my spirit and my mind were in good condition," said Fernandez, who faces months of rehabilitation.
Fernandez said he doesn't believe things happen without a reason -- even surprise tornadoes in Utah.
"This has been something of a special experience for me. I have a great love for my Creator, my Lord," he said. "Maybe I needed to learn how to be compassionate with others."
Upper Avenues resident Gil Iker has noticed a new feeling on his street.
"This has had an interesting effect on people. It has been a very unifying thing, at least in my neighborhood," said Iker, whose home on North Hills Drive was damaged by flying debris. "In times of trouble like this, people really step up."
Residents in the neighborhood plan to throw a street party next month.
Meantime, FEMA is still hunting for people who suffered injuries or property damage. Nearly 200 have called the FEMA hotline (1-800-462-9029) seeking financial aid, said Russ Edmonston, FEMA spokesman. His advice to people who haven't called: Don't rule yourself out. Let FEMA make that decision.
The Small Business Administration closed on its first loans for two homeowners Thursday. More are expected in the following weeks. "We're very much in the early stages of this," said Jim Atkins, SBA spokesman.
Carl and Jennifer Newland obtained a $9,300 SBA loan to repair the duplex they own at 266 S. 900 West. The funnel cloud practically touched down on the home, knocking a tree through the roof of one unit.
"It scared the renters so bad they left," Jennifer Newland said. And the Newlands were living in the adjoining apartment that wasn't damaged.
The Newlands initially hadn't planned to call FEMA because they thought it would be a hassle, but the agency responded promptly, she said.
Insurance companies apparently also are treating clients well. Jillene Whitby, Utah Insurance Department spokeswoman, said the state has received only two complaints so far.