Joplin rolls out proposed tornado recovery plan

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - A citizens' group charged with leading Joplin's tornado recovery efforts wants the city to create four new business districts and hire a "master developer" who would oversee the rebuilding plan.

The Citizens Advisory Recovery Team submitted its proposal late last year and is now looking at ways to implement the plan. The plan will be presented at a meeting for the public, the Joplin City Council, school board and Chamber of Commerce Jan. 19 at Missouri Southern State University.

The recovery plan also recommends greater enforcement of nuisance codes, stepped-up efforts to encourage homeowners to buy property insurance and construction of a medical school.

The May 22 tornado killed 161 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the southwest Missouri city.