Southeast Missouri State University has become a living quarters for not only students, but for some employees and National Guard personnel as floodwaters remain throughout the region.
On Monday, university employees from southern Illinois moved into Vandiver Hall.
Southern Illinois has been subjected to floodwaters that have covered its roads and soaked its fields. Just last Friday, both the Illinois and Missouri Departments of Transportation decided to close the Bill Emerson Bridge in an attempt to stem the flow of traffic entering the heavily congested area.
Associate Director of Housing Operations Allan Mauk said none of their Illinois residents checked in over the weekend; they didn’t have clothes or personal amenities on hand. As of Monday, they had five reservations from employees.
Since last weekend, 46 National Guard members have been housed at the university as well as they fight flood conditions across the river.
Mauk said unlike employees taking refuge at the university, the National Guard is paying a summer resident rate.
“They requested it, and the university/Residence Life was willing to accommodate them due to the work they are doing,” Mauk said. “They are also paying for meals twice a day – same rate a student would pay.”
It’s expected the majority of the troops may last for two more weeks, depending on the weather, and Mauk said Residence Life is willing to accommodate them through July 27th.
“A few of the troops will only be here for three to four days,” said Mauk.