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Henry County reports road washouts, culvert damage after heavy rain; FEMA meeting could lead to mitigation funding for bridge
Summary
County roads staff reported multiple washouts, culvert damage and a washed-out low-water crossing on Bullitt Hill; county officials met with FEMA and will seek bridge quotes as FEMA encourages mitigation projects rather than repeated repair.
Henry County roads staff told the fiscal court that recent heavy rain and flooding damaged several road sections, culverts and a low-water crossing on Bullitt Hill, and that crews have been repairing concrete, cleaning culverts and hauling topsoil to reseed rights-of-way.
Roads supervisor Zach reported that crews repaired sections that washed out and replaced several culverts; he said equipment repairs are ongoing and staff are coordinating grading and part-time crews as needed. "We had several sections of the roads that were working for the out and a couple of colored pipes as well. We also had to do some repairs to the water crossing on the Bullet Hill with the water down on top of it," Zach said.
County officials said they met with FEMA staff during a site visit and showed the agency the worst-affected locations. FEMA staff told the county they emphasize mitigation projects to reduce repeat damage, the court was told. Court members said that FEMA indicated it might support a mitigation solution such as building a bridge at the low-water crossing but asked the county to provide a professional bridge company estimate to start the discussion.
One county official noted, "FEMA is more into mitigation, which is trying to keep the same thing from happening again and again. So we may be able to get a bridge across Durney. That would be a big ask, but hopefully, we will get that done." The county said it will obtain a quote from a bridge company at an upcoming meeting.
Roads staff also discussed options to clear culverts, including renting or contracting a vacuum/jet truck from a nearby utility that can jet and vacuum culverts; officials noted an approximate rental cost of about $800 per day for the service.
Magistrates said the budget will be reviewed for additional staffing needs in the roads department, and staff said they will pursue both repairs and mitigation options with FEMA and private contractors.
