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Hendersonville reports nearly 116,000 cu yd of storm debris; FEMA filing to follow
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Summary
City staff reported removal of just under 116,000 cubic yards of debris from a recent ice storm, with roughly 24,000 cubic yards processed into wood chips and debris-removal costs near $2 million plus about $500,000 in monitoring. Staff said a FEMA reimbursement package will be submitted; FEMA typically covers 75% of eligible costs.
Chair called a March 24 Public Works Committee meeting to order and the committee heard a storm-debris update from Public Works staff.
Staff reported the city removed just shy of 116,000 cubic yards of storm debris from the ice storm and ground about 24,000 cubic yards into wood chips. Debris-removal costs were reported at roughly $2,000,000; monitoring and documentation costs were about $500,000, the presenter said. Staff added they had negotiated a modest price reduction with the vendor when crews entered the city.
The Public Works Committee discussed FEMA reimbursement. Staff said the city expects to assemble and submit a reimbursement package soon; FEMA typically reimburses 75% of eligible costs. Historically the state covers about 12.5% and the locality about 12.5%, although staff noted that in-kind local labor can count toward the city's share. Staff characterized the FEMA process as lengthy and estimated it could take about two years to complete, but said the city’s monitoring documentation should support a smoother claim. The presenter said FEMA had scheduled a site visit but canceled after finding the city had already completed cleanup.
Committee members praised field crews for their work and discussed operational details: large trucks could not access some cul-de-sacs, so smaller vehicles were used; the city maintained a single truck dedicated to debris removal for about another week to finish final pickups and grinding; limb routes were returning to normal. Members asked whether the city would exceed available funds; staff estimated the city would finish roughly $500,000 under the total available funds allocated for the cleanup.
The update closed with staff reiterating that the city had documented pickups, transport to the management site, chipping operations and disposal — all materials FEMA requires — and that the city would submit all eligible costs for reimbursement.
The meeting then moved to other items.
