MAYFIELD, Ky. — It has been nearly three years since the deadly tornado wiped out Mayfield, and other parts of western Kentucky, but the road to recovery continues. 

What You Need To Know

  • Tornadoes ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky in Dec. 2021

  • The tornado destroyed many buildings, and killed over 20 people in or around the city

  • Three years later, the city begins work on a new city hall and police department

  • More than $48 million from the West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies will pay for the new building.

It’s been 1,029 days since the Dec. 2021 tornado tore through Mayfield and many other towns.

The tornado destroyed many buildings, and killed over 20 people in or around the city. But now, three years later, the city is taking a major step forward in its recovery as construction begins on a new city hall and police department, right off of East Broadway Street in downtown.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. said, “I’m just here to thank each and every one of you for making this day possible.”

The city hall and police department are going to be built in one connected building. However, construction will not be done until fall of 2026.

More than $48 million from the West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies, also known as Safe Funds, will pay for the new building. Mayfield’s electric and water systems building will also be renovated, and a new fire station will be built. 

For Mayfield Mayor Kath O’Nan, this is another positive step after years of cleanup.

O’Nan said, “The first year in the disaster, you just get rid of the debris, and that’s monumental.”

After the debris was cleared, over $21 million from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has been used for the rebuilding process, starting with homes and businesses.

O’Nan said, “We started out with nonprofits building homes, then, because their funding is easier to come by, small businesses began to rebuild. Now, with our insurance and FEMA, and the help of the state legislature, we are breaking ground on municipal buildings.”

For the citizens of Mayfield, it’s an overwhelming amount of hope and optimism to see their beloved city come from a place of defeat.

Carol Todd, a Mayfield resident, said, “People were so hurt, they were in so much pain.” She added, “I’m glad that this is happening. I’m glad to see the courthouse coming back. The bank is there.”

According to Gov. Beshear’s office, Kentucky’s federal representatives helped secure $123 million in federal funding to help the commonwealth rebuild. A portion of that money is being set aside to pay for affordable rental units in the area.

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