Saline County Emergency Management Provides Update on Recent Snowstorm Response and Damage Assessment

Saline County Emergency Management Director Michelle Barkley provided an update to the County Commission on the recent snowstorm response and damage assessment during Tuesday's meeting.

Barkley reported that the county received over a foot of snow, with measurements varying between 12 to 13.5 inches. This marks one of the most significant snowfall events in the area in the last 12 years, matching a 40-year-old record in a single event.

Current damage assessments estimate costs at around $200,000. Barkley noted that the state recently raised the threshold for public assistance by $1,000, meaning Saline County now needs to reach just over $256,000 in damages to qualify for state aid.

The Emergency Management department has received damage estimates from the Road and Bridge department and is awaiting final numbers from public safety entities and the City of Salina as recovery efforts continue.

Barkley also mentioned that the county has completed a new Mulberry Creek inundation map, which will be used as a planning tool for future flood seasons.

The director concluded by stating that her department will be conducting an after-action review of the storm response, including a meeting with the school district to discuss their experiences and challenges during the event.