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Shawnee County approves standby debris-removal and monitoring contracts to support disaster response
Summary
The commission awarded standby debris-removal contracts and a debris-monitoring contract to support FEMA-compliant cleanup after large-scale disasters; Emergency Management said contracts provide specialized software and grant expertise for reimbursement.
The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 19 authorized awarding and negotiating standby disaster debris-removal contracts (FPD 040-24) and a debris-monitoring contract (FPD 041-24). The awards will allow the county to activate pre-negotiated contractors in the event of a federally declared disaster and to secure reimbursement from FEMA and other entities.
Kyle Edelman of the county counselor's office said the standby contracts designate two firms for debris removal and permit the county to negotiate specific contract terms. "These are standby contracts with contractors who would respond in the event of a natural disaster to the County," he said.
Dusty Nichols of Emergency Management explained the operations: the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) would prioritize tasks and direct Public Works or other departments to implement debris collection and hauling. He described the monitoring companies as offering specialized software, FEMA grant expertise and documentation support to ensure accurate measurement, classification and reimbursement for debris removal. "These companies stay on top of that, and making sure the paperwork's done correctly," Nichols said.
Commissioners approved the award and authority to negotiate contracts and the monitoring services contract by unanimous vote (3-0). The counselor's office recommended naming the EOC/Emergency Management as the point of contact during activation and said final contracting details can be handled during negotiations and later confirmed with the commission.
The contracts are intended to speed response, standardize measurement for federal reimbursement and provide training to county and township staff before an event occurs.
