Cordova begins demolition on downtown district

Today, the city of Cordova in Walker County will begin demolition on their downtown district. This demolition comes nearly two years after the buildings were destroyed by a tornado outbreak.

On April 27, 2011, the city of Cordova was hit twice by tornadoes once in the morning and again that evening. The tornadoes destroyed many home as well as the city's downtown district. This section housed most of the community's businesses, including the City Hall.

Since the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, Cordova's downtown district has sat vacant surrounded by storm debris. City leaders say a delay in funding from the Federal government is to blame for the slow progress in the area.

Back in January, nearly 21 months after tornadoes devastated the area, Cordova received the approval they needed to move forward with rebuilding their downtown district. State and local leaders said Federal officials were slow to decide on funding because of the area's historical significance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will cover 90% of the cost of the demolition project. The state and city will share the remaining cost.

Demolition is set to begin this morning at 9:00. Cordova Mayor, Jack Scott, says the process should take 60 days to complete.

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Cordova begins demolition on downtown district