City of Comfrey defies disaster and shines a light on resilience

In the spring of 2023, Comfrey was struck by a bout of serious flooding. The city dealt with standing water inhibiting major roadways, flooding basements, and thousands of dollars in damages to homes and businesses. The calamity was severe.

The event also brought back memories of another tragedy in the town’s history, a devastating tornado that swept through in 1998.

“A majority of our homes, businesses, and the infrastructure were wiped out in that tornado. But not the water tower!” recalls Tammy Kelly, Comfrey’s city clerk and treasurer. “It was built in 1906.”

Despite being over 90 years old at the time, the town’s water tower managed to survive the 1998 storm. Photos and newspaper clippings from the event still hang in Comfrey’s city hall. The aftermath images show the city in shambles; collapsed homes and debris riddled streets. Amidst the ruin, the tower stands strong and defiant, a beacon of Comfrey’s resilience.

“Today it’s the second oldest water tower in Minnesota, and it’s still operating!” says Kelly. “That’s something that we’re proud of here.”

While both disasters linger in the town’s collective memory, so does the community response. In 1998 and again in 2023, Comfrey residents united to support one another. Like when neighbors pitched in to haul sandbags and pump water from basements to combat flooding. These moments illuminate the heart of the community. Mayor Gary Richter says it’s Comfrey’s heart that will lead the city forward. 

In the vein of looking to tomorrow, in 2023, Comfrey chose to pursue the municipal lighting upgrade with help from the CERTs Seed Grant. The results are already making a difference and improving facilities that serve as critical gathering spaces in Comfrey. “This type of project has long-term benefits,” said Mayor Richter. “We are already noticing the savings on our electric bill.”

The upgrade is just one step in Comfrey's Climate Resilience Plan. The plan was developed by a 10-member committee of local residents after the flooding of 2023. It outlines strategies to address environmental challenges, prepare for extreme weather events, reduce energy consumption, and ensure a sustainable future for the community.

“For a small town like Comfrey, an LED lighting upgrade can make a big impact on energy cost savings,” says Southwest CERT Regional Coordinator, Nadya Bucklin. “This opens up the opportunity to use that money for other necessary expenses.”

She continues, “It may seem like a modest step, but it’s a perfect example of how communities can adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of challenges.”

Mayor Richter agrees. “Our community’s tight-knit bond and willingness to support one another define the concept of resilience and the capability to bounce back from disaster. Yet, Comfrey remains vulnerable to future climate disasters yet to occur. With an aging population and limited resources, we must ensure the resilience of the community for future generations.”