ST. LOUIS—Most credit unions here—at least for now—have avoided problems from the massive flooding along the Mississippi river and its tributaries that has taken the lives of at least 20 people.
According websites of CUs located in St. Louis, only Neighbors CU is reporting problems with the record high waters. The credit union said its Fenton, Mo. branch will be closed Dec. 30 through Jan. 1 due to flooding and limited access. The branch is expected to reopen on Jan. 2.
However, reports from areas impacted by the floodwaters indicate this is a slow-moving disaster with rivers yet to crest.
Record floodwaters have swamped several communities and forced the shutdown of portions of the Interstate-44. As many as 19 vulnerable levees are being monitored in Missouri, and hundreds of residents have been notified that they may need to evacuate if those areas are in danger of flooding. The threat prompted Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to sign a state of emergency declaration "ahead of Mississippi River flooding ahead in the coming days," Bryant said via Twitter.
The Missouri CU Association told CUToday.info Wednesday that it had yet to hear form any CUs needing assistance, but is concerned the situation may worsen.
“We've been communicating with our credit unions to assess needs for members and employees. So far, we have not heard of any need but it is still early. If there is a need we will activate CUAid through our foundation and the National Credit Union Foundation as we have done in the past with the Joplin tornado,” a league spokesperson said.
The Missouri CU Association and Kansas CU Association have agreed to merge and will be called the Heartland Credit Union Association effective Jan. 1.