Marion County Missouri Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

Section 3

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

Marion County, Missouri Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Table of Contents

Section 3 County Profile

1

History of Marion County 1 Form of government________________________________ ______2 Participation in NFIP 2 Existing Community Plans__________________________________ 4 Floodplain Map _5 Demographics and Population Statistics _____ _7 Employment _9 Land Use 11 Geography, Geology and Climate 12 Major Rivers and Drainage 14 Environmentally Sensitive Areas 18 National Register of Historic Places 19 Transportation 20 Utilities 22 Fire Protection 22 Ambulance Service 23 Education 24 Media 27 Historical Natural Hazards 27 28 History of Flooding in Marion County NFIP Participation 30 Historical Tornado Events 31 Marion County Repetitive Losses 32 Hazards Not Included 32

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3

County Profile

History of Marion County Marion County was surveyed in 1818 and organized December 23, 1826. The county is located in the northeast quarter of the state and is bordered on the east by the Mississippi River. Marion County lies to the south of Lewis County, to the east of Shelby and Monroe Counties, and to the north of Ralls County. Marion County was named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” of Carolina. Bay de Charles was the first settlement in Marion County, three miles above the present site of the city of Hannibal. Manturi Bouvet, a trapper and fur trader formed a settlement to carry on trade with the local Indians in the late 1700’s. Later settlements were established at Palmyra in 1818 and in Hannibal in 1819 by emigrants from Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. Marion City was established six miles east of Palmyra in 1834. Despite the levee surrounding the entire town, it was completely washed away by the Mississippi flood of 1844. In 1825 the United States Land Office was established at Palmyra. The land office operated between 1825 and 1858 and well over three million acres of land were sold through this office. In 1828 a ferry across the Mississippi River at West Quincy was established. The floodwaters were a constant threat and the town was never incorporated. However the railroad bridge was opened in 1899 and the first Quincy Memorial Bridge was opened to automobile traffic in 1930. Today the incorporated cities Hannibal and Palmyra and a small portion of Monroe City (will be covered in the Monroe County Hazard Mitigation Plan) lie within the boundaries of Marion County. In addition, several small unincorporated villages are within the county. The location of these cities and villages are shown on the Marion County Base map. Marion County also has a long history of agriculture. Prime cropland is located in the Mississippi River bottomlands. The 1997 Census of Agriculture shows that 221,353 acres of the total acreage of 280,000 acres is in farmland or 79% of the land area in Marion County is agricultural.

Form of Government The County seat of Marion County is Palmyra, Missouri. A court of Common Pleas was established in Hannibal, Missouri in 1844. As a result of the addition of the Court of common Pleas, Marion County is unique from most third-class counties (based on population) in that it has two courthouses. In 2002, the Marion County Courthouse in Hannibal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. (NRHP)

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 1

Palmyra Courthouse

Hannibal Courthouse --NRHP

Marion County has eight townships, which serve today primarily as voting districts. The county government provides services such as law enforcement, judicial services, land records, tax collection, property assessment, and administration of elections, construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, and maintenance of financial and other records of importance to the county’s citizens. The governing body of Marion County is its County Commission, which administers to the unincorporated areas of the county and is in charge of development and approval of county policy. Marion County has a county-organized form of government that has a board of three commissioners. The County Commission administers most county business and has some budgetary authority and is the only body that can make decisions on behalf of all county government.

Marion County Participation in NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) Date joined NFIP Marion County 5/16/1977

Policies in Force

Insurance in Force

Number of claims

Total Payments 1978-2009

120

$13,381,900

203

$7,194,242

Hannibal

6/21/1974

81

$11,457,600

280

$2,541,386

Palmyra

3/14/2009

--

--

--

--

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 2

Existing Community Plans Upon adoption of the Marion County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, the plan will serve as a baseline of information on the natural hazards that impact Marion County and the cities of Hannibal and Palmyra, Hannibal LaGrange College, and Moberly Area Community College. These mitigation goals and objectives will help local governments and other organizations in the Marion County plan for natural hazard mitigation in their own planning documents. The meetings of the Hazard Mitigation Committee will provide an opportunity for committee member to report back on the progress made on the integration of mitigation planning into the county and city planning documents and procedures. Below is a listing of some of the current planning documents that will be used: Marion County Emergency Operations Plan: Published in 1999; updated in 2008. The EOP states the Presiding County Commissioner is responsible for emergency management activities in locations that do not have a local emergency management organization. The EOP is a multi-hazard, functional plan, broken into three components: 1. A basic plan that serves as an overview of the jurisdiction’s approach to emergency management. 2. Annexes that address specific activities critical to emergency response and recovery 3. Appendices that support each annex and contain technical information, details, and methods for use in emergency operations. The plan also defines lines of succession for continuity of government during a disaster as well as preservation of records and the logistics of administrative functions such as procedures for obtaining temporary use of facilities. The EOP is reviewed annually and revised as needed. Land Use Order: Published in 1975, updated and revised April, 2008 The Land Use Order sets up the procedure for residents, prospective developers, and other interested parties to follow in matters pertaining to constructing new buildings, additions to existing buildings or changing land uses and the Establishment of Land Use Districts within the unincorporated areas of Marion County.

Floodplain Management Ordinance and Floodplain Development Procedures: Revised, May 2008 The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and minimize losses and to establish and maintain the county’s eligibility for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Marion County joined the NFIP on May 16, 1977. Marion County Floodplain Map is on following page. Marion-Ralls County Emergency Operations Plan, Hazardous Materials Response by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), published 1997, revised 2008. This hazardous Materials Response Plan is developed to help Marion and Ralls County officials and first responders prepare for and deal with hazardous materials incidents. Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 3

Mitigation Programs Mitigation entails taking actions to reduce or eliminate injury, loss of life, and property damage from natural hazards. Because of Marion County’s location on the Mississippi River, the majority of its mitigation efforts focus on floodplain management regulations and participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. The first Marion County Natural Hazards mitigation plan was implemented in 2004. Through public involvement and planning, the county has adopted this policy. Though the focus remains on rescue and response, a number of mitigation efforts have been implemented. • The County and city of Hannibal participated in a federally funded property acquisition program following the 1993 flood. Those residents who previously resided in the floodplain were offered financial incentives to move out of the floodplain through a buy-out process of their property. • Marion County is currently cooperating with the U.S. Corps of Engineers regarding levee systems along the Mississippi River to determine what actions are needed to recertify the levees and keep those areas affected in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). • Marion County’s Emergency Plan and LEPC contain mitigation measures. • Marion County receives NWS warnings, and the sheriff’s office is staffed on a 24-hour basis by dispatch personnel. Additionally, the county has implemented the use of a text messaging warning system through cell phones. For those outside of incorporated areas, this measure has increased both awareness and the effectiveness of the county’s warning system. However, large-scale warning equipment (sirens, etc.) is still limited to the county’s municipalities and the means used to alert each respective community varies. The use of local media remains prevalent as an effective warning system. • Marion County works collaboratively with all municipalities in identifying key sites in each incorporated area as well as sharing information regarding any/all natural threats with those entities that are interested in hazard response and mitigation. • Marion County works conjunctively with local media (newspapers, radio, cable providers, and Internet service providers) to both provide information to the public and highlight mock disasters in an effort to raise public awareness about natural hazards and the planned responses. Various trainings, including weather spotting courses, have been offered to help mitigate the effects of severe weather upon the county’s citizenry. • All Marion County schools have written and compiled an all-hazards plan which includes mitigation measures for natural disasters. • The Emergency Management Director keeps a working reference library of all materials regarding disaster response, natural hazard mitigation, and rescue/evacuation plans. The reference material is freely shared with the public as well as interested municipal officials.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 4

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 5

Floodplain Zones on FIRM maps Zone A Zone AE Zone X

Flood hazard area inundated by 100-year flood. No base flood elevations determined. Flood hazard area inundated by 100-year flood. Base flood elevations determined Areas of 500-year flood

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 6

Demographics and Population Statistics The population and assessed valuation of Marion County for selected years were: Year 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2002 2008

Population 29,522 28,121 28,638 27,682 28,289 28,289 28,225

Assessed Valuation $ 45,032,963 $ 58,558,087 $ 98,486,923 $ 143,065,052 $ 248,039,452 $ 274,759,822 $ 337,987,166

Marion County has 25% of its population living in a rural environment. The remainder of the population lives in Hannibal, population 17,757 and Palmyra, population 3,467. (2000 Census) The population of the county has remained steady with only a 4% decrease over the last 40 years. However, Hannibal has recently experienced a spurt of growth and has extended its city limits to the west. The next census count will most likely show an increase of growth for the county. Marion County has a total of 11,066 households, with an average size of 2.44 persons per household. The county has a population density of 64.6 persons per square mile.

Marion County

2000 Census

Population Density

Number

Percent

Total Persons

28,289

100

Urban Population

21,224

75

Rural Population

7,065

25

11,066

xx

Median Number in Household

2.44

xx

Persons per square mile (438 square miles)

64.6

xx

Number of Households

Source: 2000 U.S. Census2

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 7

Marion County Population Density

The population density map for Marion County shows the majority of the population is centered in Hannibal, and secondly in Palmyra. This shows the rural nature of the majority of the county. The 1997 Census of Agriculture shows that 221,353 acres of the total acreage of 280,000 acres is in farmland or 79% of the land area in Marion County is agricultural. Marion County has a diverse population by age. . The median age in Marion County is 37.1 years. The population under the age of five years is 6.7%. Senior citizens, those over the age of 65, constitute 16.7 % of the total population Marion County compared to 13.5% for the state of Missouri. These two groups, along with the children of school age will be given special consideration when planning mitigation actions for the county.

Marion County

2000 Census

Population by Age Group

Number

Under 5 years Between 5 and 19 years Between 20 and 64 years 65 years and over Median age Source: 2000 U.S. Census

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 8

1,912 6,280 15,388 4,709 37.1 years

Percent 6.7 22.2 54.4 16.7

Employment Marion County has a diverse work force. The 2000 Census records show that Marion County had an unemployment rate of 6.7% out of total work force of 12,884 persons. These workers had a mean travel time to work of 16.7 minutes and their median household income was $31,774. The statistics show that over 24% of the work force is professional or management. An additional 40% is in service, sales and office employment. Construction, maintenance, production and transportation account for an additional 24%.

Marion County

2000 Census

Occupation

Number

Management, Professional Service occupations Sales and office occupations Farming, fishing, and forestry Construction and maintenance Production and transportation Total civilians employed Unemployment Mean Travel time to work Median Household Income Persons below poverty level Source: 2000 U.S. Census5

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 9

3,183 2,034 3,127 108 1,347 3,085 12,884 930 16.7 minutes $31,774 3,282

Percent 24.7 15.8 24.3 0.8 10.5 23.9 100 6.7

12.1

Marion County has a wide variety of employers and business. Employers with more than 100 employees are listed below.

Employer

# of Persons Employed

City of Employment

Hannibal Regional Hospital

750

Hannibal

Hannibal Public Schools

520

Hannibal

BASF, Agri-Chemical

360

Hannibal

Walmart

250

Hannibal

Bross Construction

250

Hannibal

Bleigh Construction

250

Hannibal

Hannibal Clinic

250

Hannibal

InterMet

224

Palmyra

City of Hannibal

200

Hannibal

Hannibal-LaGrange College

200

Hannibal

Palmyra School District

178

Palmyra

Maple Lawn Nursing Home

160

Palmyra

Hannibal Carbide Tool

150

Hannibal

Beth Haven Nursing Homes

130

Hannibal

Marion County

110

Hannibal/Palmyra

Willow Care

80

Hannibal

Northeast Power

60

Palmyra

City of Palmyra

38

Palmyra

Architectural Woodwork Corp

28

Palmyra

Port Industries

25

Palmyra

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 10

Land Use Though, the 2000 Census lists only 108 persons (.08%) of the population is involved in farming, fishing, and forestry Marion County has 1500 farms. Marion County has a total of 280,000 acres; 56% in cropland; 38% in pasture, hay and timber; the balance is urban and forest. Below is a land use-land cover map for Marion County.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 11

Geography, Geology and Climate Marion County covers 280,000 acres, or 479 square miles. The Mississippi floodplain blankets the eastern edge of the county. Topography varies from the river alluvial plains to gently rolling hills and prairies as one moves west from the Mississippi River. The main geologic structural feature in Marion County is the gentle role of the Lincoln Fold anticline that run northwest-southeast in the very south east corner of the county, including most of the city of Hannibal. Marion County has five physiographic zones. The surface of two thirds of the county in the north and west is mainly undulating prairie and lies in the Wyaconda Parallel ridges and valley zone. The Upper Mississippi Alluvial Plain covers the northern three fourths along the Mississippi River. The city of Hannibal is mainly within the Lincoln Hills zone, which is also characterized by a series of caves. Many areas of Hannibal are underlain by a series of caves. This should be taken into account when considering mitigation actions for earthquakes. The south and central portions of the county lie within the Shelby Plain and Salt River Break zones.

Physiographic regions of Marion County

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 12

Rock Types

In a 1901 account on Marion County ‘s soils were described as follows,” The soil of the [river] bottoms is a rich sandy loam, that of the prairies a lighter loam underlain by siliceous marl, which contains all the elements to render it highly fertile.” (1901 Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri: Marion County)

The following map shows the permeability of the rocks in Marion County. It shows that the majority of the county has a high rate of fluid transmission and drain off. The area within the floodplain has a medium rate of permeability. This area will drain off water at a slower rate in the event of a flood.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 13

Permeability

Climate Marion County has an annual average of 36.94 inches of precipitation, with the highest annual precipitation of 54.77 inches in 1973 and the lowest recorded in 1937 at 5.77 inches. Statistically, the spring and summer months have the greatest rainfall. The average snowfall for Marion County is 12.5 inches. The year of 1964-65 had the greatest snowfall of 51.8 inches. Annually, Marion County averages 27.4 days of heat greater than 90 degrees F. and 115.4 days of below freezing weather. Additional information can be obtained from the following website: http://mcc.sws.uiuc.edu/

Major Rivers and drainage The major river effecting Marion County is the Mississippi River on its eastern boundary. Communities located on or near the Mississippi River are well aware of the history of flooding along its banks. Marion County rivers and their many tributaries run roughly northwest to southeast and dump into the Mississippi River. The Fabius River drains the northern portion of the county and the North and South Rivers drain the county to the central and south. Bear Creek runs through the city of Hannibal and is susceptible to repeated flooding. These rivers are all subject to flash and riverine flooding. Soils in this area are formed in glacial till or loess material. Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 14

They generally have a silt loam surface of moderate to high erosion potential overlying a silty clay subsoil of low permeability. Silty loam alluvial soils are limited to stream floodplains. Due to the clay content of the till and the underlying shale and limestone, vertical movement of water from the surface to groundwater is minimal. Stream flow is largely dependent on surface runoff.

Fabius River Watershed

North River Watershed

The two maps above show the watershed area for the Fabius River and the North River, both of which drain into Marion County before going into the Mississippi River. This adds to the flooding potential of the low-lying areas of Marion County. The map on the following page shows the many rivers and streams within Marion County. Mitigation efforts need to be taken to ensure that the infrastructure within the county remains open in times of riverine and flash flooding.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 15

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 16

Elevation Profile

The above map shows the elevation profile for Marion County. The lowest elevations are at 403 ft. above sea level and are along the Mississippi River. As the Floodplain map will show the lower (pinks) areas roughly coincide with the 100-year floodplain area as determined by FEMA. The Floodplain map for Marion County can be seen on page 5 of this section. The highest elevations in the county are in the western and southern portions as shown in the darker greens.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 17

Environmentally Sensitive Areas Several of Missouri’s endangered animal species are found in Marion County. By 1962, the Bald Eagle no longer nested in Missouri. The Department of Conservation began reintroducing bald eagles to Missouri in 1981. The Bald Eagle Protection Act makes it illegal to harm or harass bald eagles, their nests, eggs and young. Another species found in Marion County that is on the endangered list is the Indiana bat. While it mates in southern Missouri caves, it flies to northern Missouri to raise its young. Pesticide contamination through their insect prey seems to be in part to account for their declining numbers. The western fox snake found in Marion County is also on the endangered list. It habitat is natural marshes and wet prairie, most of which have been converted to croplands. Landowners interested in conserving or restoring wetland habitats adjacent to wooded areas on their property can help create more places for this natural rodent controller to live. A mishap, such as a chemical spill could wipe out entire species. Chemical spills can occur as a result of several natural disasters such as tornadoes or earthquakes.

Bald Eagle

Western Fox Snake

Indiana Bat

Department of Conservation Lands shown in green. Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 18

National Register of Historic Places Marion County has a number of buildings that are historically important due to association with famous individuals such as Mark Twain and buildings that are representative of historic architectural styles. Doubtless this treasure of historic architecture is due to Marion County’s location on the Mississippi River and the exceptional farmland that produced the wealth necessary to build significant buildings. There are thirty-one individual buildings and four historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Marion County. The city of Hannibal established in 1819 has four historic districts and the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens, the world famous author Mark Twain. The historic districts are comprised of significant architecture representing nearly every architectural style from simple Greek revival homes to lavish Italianate mansions to prairie style homes to craftsman bungalows. A total of twenty homes and commercial buildings and two archaeological sites are individually listed on the National Register.

The city of Palmyra, the county seat, also established in 1819 also has a significant number of historic buildings. In 1860, Palmyra was called the handsomest city in northeast Missouri. Besides the fertile farmland that surrounds Palmyra, which made it a center for a successful merchant class, between 1825 and 1858 Palmyra was the site for a federal land office, which sold over 3,000,000 acres of land. Obviously, the people coming to purchase this land greatly added to the profits of Palmyra’s merchants. Several early 19th century colleges and seminaries enhanced the taste for fine architecture. Palmyra has seven buildings individually listed on the National Register including Greek Revival and Italianate Mansions. The most recent listing, the 1858 Marion County Jail and jailer’s home, was the sight of the Civil War tragedy known as the Palmyra Massacre. The jail and home are currently being restored as a Civil War museum. Another of the listed buildings, the Gardner House, an 1828 stagecoach hostelry is also a museum of local and Civil War history.

Gardner House Museum--NRHP

Old Marion Co. Jail—NRHP

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 19

Oldest House in Marion County, built 1823.

The remainder of the individual listings is comprised of early farm homes that date from 1823 to the1860s. These homes range from a richly detailed Georgian home constructed of limestone to lavish Italianate and Greek Revival Mansions. Marion County gets several hundred thousand people from around the nation and around the world visiting the historic sites in Hannibal associated with Mark Twain and its many architectural treasurers. The local community is proud of its architectural heritage and is pursuing its preservation through both the support of local and county governments and the work of several historical societies interested in preserving its architectural history.

Transportation Transportation is one of the keys to past and future economic development for Marion County. The Mississippi River has played an important part in the economy of Marion County from its founding, starting with the founding of the first trading post on Bay de Charles in the late 1700’s just north of present day Hannibal. The Army Corp of Engineers Mississippi River Lock and Dam #21 is located in northern Marion County, just south of West Quincy. (See map of Dams in Marion County page Section 3, page 26) In addition, to commercial river traffic, two Mississippi River tourist riverboats have regular stops in Hannibal. Three U.S. and two state Highways service Marion County. U. S. Highway 61, “Avenue of the Saints,” passes from north to south starting in St. Paul, Minnesota and through Palmyra to Hannibal and on the St. Louis. U.S. Highway 24 crosses the Mississippi at West Quincy and continues to the southwest to Monroe City. U.S. Highway 36 is a major east-west highway connecting the Kansas City area with Springfield, Illinois. State Highway 79 starts in Hannibal and continues to the south to St. Louis. State Highway 168 is a major route through Hannibal, Palmyra and western Marion County Marion County is served by two railroads, the Norfolk-Southern and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. These two railroads provide cargo main-line service to St. Louis, Chicago, St. Paul and Kansas City. Amtrak out of Quincy, IL provides passenger service approximately 20 miles to the northeast. The Hannibal Municipal Airport serves Marion County and the surrounding area. This airport is owned by the City Of Hannibal and is opened to the public. It has two runways of 4400’ x 100’. Twenty-five aircraft are housed on the field. Quincy Regional Airport, Baldwin Field also serves the Marion County area. It is 10 miles east of Quincy, Illinois. It provides scheduled and charter flights to Chicago and St. Louis. St. Louis International Airport, Lambert Field is approximately 110 miles to the south.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 20

Marion County has two major bridges over the Mississippi River. The Memorial Bridge at West Quincy connects Marion County with Quincy, IL. The new Mark Twain Bridge in Hannibal was opened in September 2000. These two bridges both provide access across the Mississippi river for four lanes of traffic.

West Quincy Bridge

Hannibal Bridge

Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) has its Northeast District Office in Hannibal and encompasses 13 counties. The Northeast District covers a land area of about 7,017 square miles and has a total population of about 179,000. The district has a total of 3,337 centerline miles of state highway to maintain. In addition, MODOT has shops on U.S. 61 south of Palmyra and on MO 168 just east of Philadelphia. The Marion County Highway Department is located in the city limits of Palmyra.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 21

Utilities Water Rural water districts serve Marion County. The map show s the geographic areas covered by each of these districts. The cities of Palmyra and Hannibal each supply their citizens with water from their own water systems.

Electric Missouri Rural Electric located in Palmyra supplies the rural portion of the county and the cities of Palmyra and Hannibal with electric power. Natural Gas Atmos Energy is the supplier for natural gas within the county. Most homes in the rural area are heated by propane. Wastewater The Boards of Public Works handles wastewater within the cities of Palmyra and Hannibal. Individual septic tanks and lagoon systems handle wastewater in the rural areas. The Marion County Health Department issues and regulates the permits for septic systems within the county.

Fire Protection The city of Hannibal has its own fire department with three firehouses located within the city limits. There are 40 firefighters on staff. The city of Palmyra has a volunteer fire department with 20 volunteer firefighters. This fire department also operates as the Palmyra rural fire department. In addition the Lewis/Maywood R-4, Monroe City, and Hannibal Rural Fire Protection Districts cover the rural portions of the county. Their coverage areas are shown on the map below. All the fire protection districts have mutual aid agreements with surrounding districts, with assistance provided on a request basis.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 22

Ambulance services The Marion County Ambulance District provides ambulance services for approximately twothirds of Marion County. The Monroe City Ambulance District covers the southwest portion of the county. The Marion County Ambulance District houses ambulances in Palmyra and Hannibal. Facilities to house an ambulance is also located in the village of Philadelphia in the western part of the county. To date, the facility is not staffed. The map below shows the geographic areas covered by each ambulance district.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 23

Education Marion County has five school districts as seen on the map below. The Hannibal School District has six Elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Hannibal also has three parochial schools, Hannibal Technical Center and Hannibal-LaGrange College located within the city limits of Hannibal. Palmyra School District has an elementary, middle school, and high school in the city of Palmyra. Palmyra also has one parochial school. Marion County R-II School District has a K-12 school in Philadelphia. The schools for Lewis C-1 and Monroe City R-1 School Districts are located in Lewis County and Monroe County. Enrollment for each of the schools in Marion County is listed in the table below.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 24

Marion County Schools Name

Location

Students

Staff

2800 Palmyra Rd., Hannibal 109 Virginia, Hannibal

1100 162

200 5

Colleges Hannibal-LaGrange College Moberly Area Comm. College*

Hannibal Public Hannibal High School Hannibal Middle School Central Elementary Eugene Field Elementary Mark Twain Elementary Oakwood Elementary Stowall Elementary Veterans Elementary Hannibal Career & Tech Center

520 4500 McMasters , Hannibal 4700 McMasters, Hannibal 906 Center, Hannibal 1405 Pearl, Hannibal 2714 Bird, Hannibal 3716 Market, Hannibal 700 Fulton, Hannibal 790 N. Veterans, Hannibal 4550 McMasters, Hannibal

1005 883 503 265 296 270 284 514 500

30

1113 Broadway, Hannibal 1317 Lyon St., Hannibal

224 140

23 15

S. Main, Palmyra Palmyra 706 S. Ashland, Palmyra

356 344 405

Philadelphia

245

Hannibal Private Holy Family Elementary St. John Elementary

Palmyra Public Palmyra High School Palmyra Middle School Palmyra Elementary School

178

Palmyra Private --none Marion County Public Marion Co. R-II School (K-12)

43

* This satellite campus of Moberly Area Comm. College was covered in the Moberly—Randolph County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 25

The following two tables show the Education Profile and Educational Enrollment from the 2000 Census. The statistics show that 80 percent of the population over 25 years old has obtained at least at High School Diploma.

Marion County

2000 Census

Education Profile

Number

Percent

Total Persons over 25 years old

18,322

Less than High School Degree

3,782

20.6

High School Graduate

7,471

40.8

Some college

3,407

18.6

Associate or Bachelor Degree

2,901

15.8

761

4.2

Post-graduate or Professional Degree

100

Source: 2000 U.S. Census12

Marion County

2000 Census

Educational Enrollment

Number

Total Persons enrolled in school

6,983

Percent

100

Nursery, pre-school

429

6.1

Kindergarten

341

4.9

Elementary ( 1 – 8 )

3,432

49.1

High School ( 9 – 12 )

1,701

24.4

College or graduate school

1,080

15.5

Source: 2000 U.S. Census13

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 26

Media A variety of radio stations, television stations, as well as one weekly and one daily newspaper provide the residents of Marion County with information and news. Radio Stations KHMO KGRC-FM KICK-FM WGEM KZZK KPCR KHBL Television Stations KHQA WGEM KOMU KRCG Newspapers Hannibal Courier-Post, daily except Sunday and Monday Palmyra Spectator, weekly Quincy (Illinois) Herald-Whig, daily

Historical Natural Hazard Events **More detail of historical hazard events is covered in Section 2 Throughout history, the residents of Marion County have dealt with the various natural hazards affecting the area; tornados, windstorms, severe winter weather, droughts, earthquakes and floods. Although there were fewer people in the area, the natural hazards adversely affected the lives of those who depended on the land and climate conditions for food and welfare. As the population of the county increases, the exposure to natural hazards creates an even higher risk than experienced historically. Marion County is subjected to many natural hazards including flooding, severe winter weather, windstorms, tornados, excessive heat and droughts, wildfires, earthquakes effects, landslide, and sinkholes. It is impossible to predict exactly when and where these disasters will occur, or the extent to which they will affect the county. However, with careful planning and collaboration among public agencies, private sector organizations, and citizens within the community, it is possible to minimize the losses that can result from natural disasters

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 27

The following table summarizes the occurrences of storms (other than the disastrous floods of 1973 and 1993) in Marion County between since 1950 as reported to the National Weather Department.

Storm History 1950-2009 Marion County Number of Occurrences

Property & Crop Damages

Deaths

Injuries

Snow and Ice Storms

36

$3.1M regionally

2 regionally

0

Hail

75

$1.0 Hannibal

0

0

Temperature Extremes

26

$5.965M regionally

93 regionally

1534 regionally

Tornados

9

$403K

0

1

Thunderstorms & High Winds

92

$14K

0

0

Flooding

22

0

0

Storm

$10.0M regionally $15.15 Marion County The detailed storm history can be found in Section 9.

History of Flooding in Marion County Most citizens of Marion County will remember headlines like the following: 1973 - Great Flood of 1973 causes more than $350 million dollars in damages and kills 30 in the Hannibal area. 1993 - Hannibal suffers a huge flood. Mississippi River reaches it's highest point in recorded history. Marion County is bounded on the east by the Mississippi River, which with its many tributaries is susceptible to flooding. The “Great Flood of 1993” is the most memorable in recent history. Marion County has experienced large-scale destruction during the floods of 1973, 1986, and the Great Flood of 1993. During the flood of 1993, Marion County received disaster assistance for uninsured losses totaling $6,728,351($1,212,594 went to individuals and $5,515,757 went to all public entities in the county for their losses). Flooding from the Mississippi River causes backwater flooding in the adjacent tributaries. In addition, flash flooding within upstream watersheds is also a recognized hazard. This hazard increases with urban expansion because of potential for increased runoff volume and velocity as development increases. Marion County bordered on the east by the Mississippi River and traversed by the North, South and Fabius Rivers has a history of flooding in low-lying areas dating back to the earliest settlements in the county. Marion City a town started in 1830’s on the banks of the Mississippi north of Hannibal was the site of two disastrous floods in 1836 and again in 1861. After the second flood most the residents moved the salvageable houses to the town of Palmyra located on high ground six miles to the west. The town of Marion City that so many people had invested

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 28

with their dreams and fortunes was destroyed by the floodwaters of the river that was supposed to make it prosper. Hannibal also has a history of severe flooding. Up until the building of the levee or floodwall (completed in 1993) to protect the historic business district, the area was devastated by floods several times. In 1965 and again in 1973 Hannibal sustained major flood damage to the historic business district.” In 1973 “ the flood peaked on April 25 at 28.59 feet the highest river level ever recorded.” Fortunately, the levee was successful in keeping Hannibal’s historic business district dry in the flood of 1993 that devastated so many of the historic river towns up and down the Mississippi. The eleven ton thirteen foot high and forty foot wide flood gates were going up only a few weeks before the first flood in May. The property loss in Hannibal was confined to areas outside the levee that clearly indicated the success of mitigation efforts. According to the Army Corps of Engineers Hannibal’s new flood wall saved the city a $500,000 loss in the May flood and $14,000,000 in the record breaking flood in July of 1993.According to the Hannibal Courier Post the River began to crest in Hannibal at 31.3 feet city buildings are affected at a flood stage of 16 feet. Unfortunately, Bear Creek a rivulet normally not of much consequence bisects Hannibal on the south side of the city. In 1962 a dam was built to mitigate the flooding of homes and businesses along Bear Creek but when the Mississippi floods the waters that feed Bear Creek overflow its banks. The magnitude of the 1993 Flood caused Bear Creek to overflow its banks flooding numerous homes. In addition to the loss of homes in the Bear Creek area, the economic impact to Hannibal’s tourist business was devastating. The Hannibal Courier Post reported, “ besides destroying homes and businesses, the record high waters have waterlogged Hannibal’s tourist industry.” The same article noted a 75% decrease in attendance at Hannibal’s tourist attractions. While Hannibal averted major disaster thanks to its new floodwall, two unincorporated areas in the county did not fair so well. With the break in the Fabius River Levee in far northeast Marion County just across the Mississippi from Quincy, Illinois, the communities of West Quincy and Taylor were inundated with floodwaters more than seventeen feet above technical flood stage. Most of the nation witnessed the explosion as video of the gas storage tanks at a West Quincy convenience store were struck by a barge propelled by raging flood waters. The loss in farm production, homes and business in the West Quincy and Taylor areas was substantial. Over fifty homes and businesses and 14,000 acres of valuable farmland were totally inundated. In addition the loss of commerce with Quincy and the impact on 1800 Marion County residents who could no longer cross the bridge to their jobs in Illinois (commutes of 100 miles via Keokuk, Iowa became the norm) caused serious hardship. The loss of an entire planting season to the farmers in the West Quincy and Taylor areas the Flood of 1993 was financially devastating. Although no lives were lost, the toll to the population of Marion County in terms of emotional stress of lost homes, lost income and lost commerce make the Flood of 1993 an unforgettable event that helps to reinforce the need for continued hazard mitigation planning. One of the results of the flood of 1993 was an increased awareness of the natural hazards that pose a risk to Marion county residents. FEMA selected Hannibal, Missouri as one of the Project Impact communities. In 2008 Marion County again faced historic flooding levels. As a result of the implementation of mitigation actions, no deaths were reported and levels of damages were significantly lower. in particular, the levee and flood walls were used successfully in the city of

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 29

Hannibal. Past experience also helped in the planning to ensure that the levees along the Mississippi held back the flood waters.

Extent of 1993 Flood, Marion County

Marion County Participation in NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) Date joined NFIP Marion County 5/16/1977

Policies in Force

Insurance in Force

Number of claims

Total Payments 1978-2009

120

$13,381,900

203

$7,194,242

Hannibal

6/21/1974

81

$11,457,600

280

$2,541,386

Palmyra

3/14/2009

--

--

--

--

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 30

Historical Tornado Events Tornados have always been a threat in Marion County. As early as 1876 tornados have been recorded. In March 1876 an F4 tornado moved through Ralls and Marion Counties before crossing the Mississippi into Illinois. The disastrous tornado killed 14 people and injured 40 more. An F2 tornado hit the city of Palmyra on April 12, 1945. The damage to Palmyra was $500,000. No lives were lost, but the results could have been much more serious had a dance scheduled for that evening not been cancelled due to the death of President Roosevelt. Photos below show the building that would have housed that dance in downtown Palmyra. In December 1949 a F2 tornado moved through Hannibal causing over $200,000 damages in a 20-block area. In September 1977 a F2 tornado passed through Marion County causing $250K in damages, but injuries or deaths were reported. The most recent tornadic activity in Marion was in October 2007. This tornado was classified as an F1 and caused $150 K in damages and one person was injured. Previously, in May 2003 a high F2 or low F3 tornado moved through the Ely-West Ely areas causing extensive damages in a 10-mile by 200-yard area. This tornado was in the same storm cell as the disastrous tornados that hit the city of Canton in Lewis County.

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 31

Comm Number

Mitigated ?

Occupancy

Date of Loss

Date of Loss

MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY * MARION COUNTY *

290222 290222 290222 290222 290222 290222 290222 290222 290222 290222 290222

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Nonresidential Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Nonresidential Nonresidential Nonresidential

05/15/2001 06/25/2008 08/01/1993 03/08/1985 10/03/1986 10/04/1986 10/04/1986 10/03/1986 07/17/1993 07/15/1993 07/16/1993

07/01/1993 05/16/2001 10/03/1986 04/04/1983 04/03/1983 03/04/1985 04/03/1983 04/03/1983 07/16/1993 07/03/1993 07/15/1993

HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF HANNIBAL, CITY OF

290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223 290223

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Nonresidential Single-Family Nonresidential Single-Family Nonresidential Nonresidential Single-Family ASSMD Condo Nonresidential Nonresidential Single-Family Nonresidential Nonresidential Nonresidential Single-Family Nonresidential Nonresidential Nonresidential Nonresidential Nonresidential

05/12/2001 06/01/2001 06/14/2008 05/17/2001 08/27/2004 07/11/1993 10/03/1986 07/15/1993 10/03/1986 10/04/1986 05/01/1983 10/04/1986 10/05/1986 10/04/1986 04/03/1983 10/04/1986 10/03/1986 10/03/1986 10/24/1986 10/04/1986

07/13/1993 04/24/1998 04/25/2001 05/29/1996 05/13/2001 04/04/1983 04/04/1983 10/03/1986 04/02/1983 04/04/1983 08/30/1981 04/03/1983 04/05/1983 04/03/1983 04/15/1979 04/03/1983 04/02/1983 04/03/1983 04/04/1983 04/04/1983

Date of Loss

Community Name

Marion County Repetitive Loss through March 2009

04/28/1996 04/03/1983

04/10/1983

07/15/1993

07/17/1993

04/02/1983

12/03/1982

Hazards not included and reasons for elimination The risk of coastal storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, avalanche and volcanic activity does not exist in Marion County. Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 32

Blank Page

Marion County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Section 3 Page 33