Houston County declares state of emergency after July storms, seeks state disaster aid

The Houston County Board voted to adopt Resolution 26-19 declaring a state of emergency for damage from severe storms and flooding on July 2, the board chair announced.

Mark, the county staff member presenting the request, said preliminary damage reports already exceed the state threshold for county-level assistance. "For Houston County to qualify, you need to have damages reported at $45,788.49 or above. We're well above that on our preliminary numbers," he said, and listed township-level estimates including about $260,000 for Caledonia Township and $100,000 for Wilmington Township. He said county roadway damage is currently estimated at roughly $500,000, but cautioned the numbers are preliminary.

Mark explained the next steps: after the board files the resolution the state will schedule a preliminary damage assessment and determine eligibility. He said state disaster aid would reimburse about 75% of eligible costs and that, based on current totals, federal disaster assistance is unlikely because the county does not meet the federal threshold. "We'll continue to refine our numbers," Mark added.

Commissioners asked for public clarification about who bears the remaining local share and how township claims are reported. The board voted to adopt the resolution and proceed with the state process; the motion carried.

The county will collect more detailed damage reports from townships and municipal entities before the state’s preliminary damage assessment. The resolution authorizes staff to file paperwork and pursue state reimbursement but does not itself appropriate funds for repairs.