Half of Joplin tornado-damaged homes being fixed

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Joplin city manager Mark Rohr says more than half of the city's homes damaged in a May 22 tornado are being repaired or replaced.

About 4,000 homes were destroyed and another 3,500 were damaged by the tornado.

Rohr said Wednesday the city has issued more than 3,750 building permits to homeowners. He said the rate of issuing permits has remained steady, even after winter arrived.

The Joplin Globe reported that business recovery is progressing but at a slower pace. Rohr said 197 permits for commercial repair or reconstruction have been issued,. About 500 businesses were affected by the tornado.