In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing efforts to assist elderly and handicapped residents in cleaning up debris from their properties following a significant weather event. The conversation highlighted the urgency of the situation, particularly regarding hazardous conditions created by fallen trees and debris along roadways.

Officials reported that the county has exceeded its disaster assistance threshold, reaching $1.4 million in damages, well above the required threshold of $668,426. This increase in damages has prompted local representatives, including U.S. Representative Lance Gooden, to advocate for expedited federal assistance from FEMA. However, officials acknowledged that the approval process has been slow due to the high volume of requests FEMA is currently handling.

Concerns were raised about the safety of motorists navigating roads obstructed by large, century-old trees, which pose significant hazards. In response, officials discussed the timeline for a Request for Proposals (RFP) to address the cleanup. They noted that, according to FEMA regulations, normal bidding procedures must be followed to qualify for reimbursement, which includes a mandatory 14-day waiting period after the first advertisement of the bid.

To expedite the process, officials have already placed an advertisement for the cleanup bid, with plans to open bids on the 20th of the month. They aim to evaluate and award the contract shortly thereafter, ensuring that cleanup efforts can commence as soon as possible to mitigate risks to public safety.