Pike County authorizes hazard-mitigation application as officials describe widespread flood damage, long bridge timelines

Pike County Fiscal Court voted unanimously to authorize application and execution of documents for a hazard-mitigation grant for damage at the Zebulon Heights site as county leaders described extensive flood and bridge damage across the county.

Judge Jones opened discussion saying he and staff inspected the Zebulon Heights area and described “a small river” coming off a hill behind homes. He said the water flow and visible erosion led him to conclude the site requires mitigation and that the state appears likely to participate. "I don't think it's going to cost the county anything," he said when urging the court to authorize the application.

County staff described the county's broader post-flood workload and the federal process for permanent repairs and reimbursement. Staff member Fabian (county road department) said contractors and permits are in motion but that FEMA and state review are required before permanent work proceeds. Jeremy Slinker, identified in the meeting as the FEMA federal coordinating officer, was cited by the court as having been responsive to requests from county leaders.

County members gave details on bridge lengths and expected costs. Officials estimated the Middle Elk bridge will be about 120 feet after redesign and Woodman Summer will be longer; both bridges and associated work were discussed as multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar projects (county officials said a bridge could be "around a million" dollars). County staff said raising piers by about 3 feet at Middle Elk should improve flow and reduce future risk.

Officials stressed the difference between temporary emergency repairs and permanent work that FEMA must inspect before it will reimburse the county. "All this is temporary work," a county road official said, emphasizing crews are restoring essential traffic access while the permitting and FEMA review continue.

County leaders said more than 1,800 damage sites have been recorded and that the number will grow as assessments continue; staff said the county aims to package road-damage data for FEMA within about 30 days. Judge Jones and other commissioners urged urgency with state and federal reviewers but acknowledged that many approvals are outside county control.

The court authorized the hazard‑mitigation application by voice vote after a motion from Commissioner Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Atkins; the clerk recorded the vote as unanimous.Yes votes were recorded from Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Atkins, Commissioner Lewis and Judge Jones.

Officials also reminded residents of FEMA and program deadlines: the county advertised a May 25 deadline to file FEMA individual assistance claims at the local disaster recovery centers and noted separate deadlines for buyout programs. Staff reported 168 households had signed interest forms for buyouts at the time of the meeting and said hazard‑mitigation funds and buyout programs may use separate funding streams.

County leaders said they will inform residents as soon as decisions arrive and that contracting and construction timetables for major bridges will extend for months. Judge Jones said he planned to press federal legislators and staff to examine whether processes can be accelerated, while acknowledging the county must follow FEMA and state requirements to secure reimbursement and avoid bankrupting local finances.

Ending: The court voted to authorize the hazard‑mitigation application and directed staff to continue assessment and coordination with FEMA and the state; county officials asked residents to report damage and watch for county notices about FEMA and buyout deadlines.