Historic Sulphur’s infrastructure posing challenge in tornado cleanup process

SULPHUR, Okla. ( KFOR ) – The city of Sulphur is still working to build back more than 90 days after an EF3 tornado . City officials said cleanup is challenging because the town is historic.

“Unfortunately, disasters like these don’t come with a playbook or a manual that says this is the first thing you need to do,” said Seandra Ramer, President of the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce.

Three months after a tornado barreled through downtown Sulphur, offices and buildings are still left gutted.

The city is historic and was founded in the 1890’s, which is playing a major role in the restoration process.

“It’s going to take a little longer, I feel like, than normal just because the infrastructure that we had downtown,” said Ramer.

Much of it is out of date.

“I believe they said last week they found a water line or a gas line, something that had 1904 stamped on it,” said Ramer.

That’s what the city will need to focus on before the community can start building back.

Ramer said plans are already in the works. A task force, made up of business and property owners, and residents meet weekly.

“Coming up with strategic plans on where to start and trying to get a game plan so we can get things rolling,” said Ramer.

While the process may take some time, the community is still strong and working together, to bring this town back to life but still keeping it’s historic roots.

“We’ve had to take a step back and collect ourselves,” said Ramer.

In just a few weeks, on August 17, the city will host a fundraiser to raise money for the Plaza in downtown Sulphur. It’s from 4 p.m.-9 p.m., at the Artesian Hotel. The city said it would like to host concerts again and bring everyone downtown since that’s where the heart of their city is.

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