MoCo Commission Approves Debris Removal Contract
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The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners has approved the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to complete the Hurricane Helene debris removal throughout the County over the next several months.
The decision was made unanimously during a called meeting on Friday, October 18, during which County Manager Heather Scott explained to the commissioners that the decision to go with the Army Corps would ialeviate financial responsibility from the County.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers became an option for several counties within the state after hearing about damage in areas like our county,” Scott remarked. “By choosing the Army Corps, we are not liable for paying for these services, which could range up to millions of dollars otherwise.”
Commissioners previously reviewed bid proposals by two other companies for debris removal and monitoring, but after hearing of the lack of financial liability, felt that choosing the Army Corps was the best option for the County.
Scott also gave instructions to property owners about preparing for debris removal on all county and city roads — including dirt roads — as she said, It is property owners’ responsibility to get the debris to the right of way, and it can be staged by the road 2 ft from the white line and no more than 18ft from the white line (this is how long the arm of the truck will reach and grab), 10ft away from light poles, and please do not block roadways or driveways. They will be doing numerous passes, but this will take time, please be patient as we work through this.”
She also provided the county with an update on hurricane recovery, as she stated that all county offices were open and have had power restored, but phone lines and internet are still down. Distribution of needed supplies to the community have also slowed down, but Scott encouraged anyone who still needed food or supplies to call (912) 246-1917.
All roads are now passable within Montgomery County, and the burn ban has been lifted. All solid waste sites have been reopened and are operating at their normal scheduled hours.
Scott shared information on another resource for the public, as she stated, “Save and share the number; it’s 844-965-1386. This hotline is essential for reporting storm-related damage in our area, and we need your help in spreading the word! Calling the hotline helps fast-track the arrival of volunteer groups to our county. These volunteers bring the tools and expertise to assist with mucking out homes, clearing debris, removing fallen trees, and getting the debris to the roadside. Please call, and make sure your neighbors know about it, too.”
She thanked several parties for their assistance in the county’s time of need, including Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, all Municipalities, Road Crews, Montgomery County Sheriff Department, Volunteer Fire Departments, Prison Fire, Georgia Forestry Commission, Montgomery County Board of Education and Schools, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Defense, Army National Guard, Brewton-Parker College, numerous churches, and local volunteers.
“With two hurricanes within two months of starting [as county manager], I want to say thank you to The County Commission as a whole for trusting my leadership, and helping guide me through these past few months since I began,” she concluded. “Again, we continue to be impressed by the community spirit. We’re in this together, Montgomery County, and we’ll continue pushing forward, one step at a time.”
