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County finance director: FEMA inspections ongoing, state handling debris removal after Helene
Summary
Finance Director Carolyn Watson told the commission that Category A debris removal is completed and handled by the State, Category B submissions are ready with an extension requested, and Category C (roads/bridges) FEMA inspections continue weekly; 16 projects were identified with multiple sites.
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. — Finance Director Carolyn Watson updated the Carter County Board of Commissioners on March 17 about ongoing disaster recovery work tied to Hurricane Helene.
Watson said waterway debris removal is a State-managed project; Category A debris removal at the county level is complete and the county awaits invoices. Category B (emergency protective measures) is ready for submission and the county has requested an extension on one project. Category C work on roads and bridges remains under weekly FEMA inspections; Watson reported 16 projects, each encompassing multiple sites, and said the county has signed NRCS forms for three obligated projects including two bridges in Poga and associated temporary bridges.
Why it matters: these procedural steps inform reimbursement timing, contractor payments, and the county’s ability to restore infrastructure after the storm. Watson emphasized the State’s role on debris removal and noted the county’s continued coordination with federal and state agencies.
What’s next: county staff will submit Category B documentation and continue weekly FEMA inspections for Category C projects; invoices for Category A work remain pending.
