Mayor Dunaway Recaps Winter Storm Response, City Preparedness Efforts

Last week, Nashville Mayor Larry Dunaway stopped by the Southwest Arkansas Radio studios to provide a recap of the winter storm that crippled much of Southwest Arkansas during the final week of January.

Dunaway first described the damage the area sustained in the aftermath of the storm.

He said the city rented a generator large enough to operate the river pumps in the event of a power outage. While the generator was ultimately not needed, Dunaway said the city was prepared. He added that a permanent generator has since been installed to provide electricity to a city building, allowing it to be used as a warming center in the winter or a cooling center in the summer if needed.

Dunaway also discussed the measures taken to clean up after the storm. He said city crews worked from Sunday through Friday and were able to make significant progress between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the ice conditions became slightly slushy.

He said the Nashville City Council has also discussed purchasing additional equipment to better prepare for future winter weather events.

Dunaway noted that the next Nashville City Council meeting will be held Monday, February 23, at noon in the council room. The meeting will include the State of the City Address from the mayor and department heads.