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Contractors tell Appling commissioners debris cleanup will finish Jan. 24; costs eligible for FEMA reimbursement
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Summary
Debris contractors Phillips & Jordan and DebrisTech told commissioners cleanup and disposal will be completed by Jan. 24, 2025; contractors said expenses in the stated timeframe are 100% FEMA reimbursable and asked for a centralized list from the county to direct crews to remaining piles.
Representatives of Phillips & Jordan and DebrisTech briefed the Appling County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 7 about post-Hurricane Helene debris removal and a timeline for completion.
Brian Smallwood, representing Phillips & Jordan, told the board the companies will ensure "all debris, breakdown, and disposal will be complete by January 24th, 2025," and said expenses for that period "are 100% FEMA reimbursable." Smallwood added that additional trucks, equipment and crews would be deployed as needed to meet the deadline. John McNeese of DebrisTech and Tim Markus (Phillips & Jordan) were also present for the briefing.
Several commissioners and citizens raised concerns about numerous roadside and right-of-way debris piles that remain across the county. Smallwood asked the county to compile a central list of remaining debris locations and disseminate it to local supervisors so crews can prioritize and remove the piles more efficiently.
County Manager Reid Lovett later recommended extending debris pickup and debris monitoring contracts for 30 days for further evaluation; the board approved those extensions. Lovett also recommended continuing a FEMA lease and moving operations to 83 S. Oak Street to enable large events at the Ag Center to resume; the board approved the change.
Why it matters: The Jan. 24 completion date and the contractors' statement that related expenses for that period are fully FEMA reimbursable affect county budgeting, contractor scheduling, and residents awaiting curbside removal.
What's next: Contractors will proceed with the work and county staff said they would compile a centralized debris list; the transcript does not specify a completion report or an exact follow-up date.