FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell spent Wednesday in Augusta discussing clean-up efforts with city leaders.
Criswell joined Mayor Garnett Johnson, Administrator Tameka Allen, and Chief Antonio Burden, Fire Chief, Augusta Fire/EMA for a briefing prior to taking a tour of damaged areas.
“I had an opportunity to fly over the Augusta area to see the damage, but I had a good opportunity today to talk with the mayor and his team about what their concerns are now that we are moving into the long-term recovery phase,” said Criswell. “I also had an opportunity to visit the Disaster Recovery Center earlier today, where I saw so many families in there getting assistance.”
Providing an update on clean-up efforts, Johnson said the city contractors continue to focus on the most heavily damaged areas.
“The priority remains clearing roadways or access to public safety with a focus on main corridors,” he explained. “The contract is also coordinating closely with the Augusta Utilities Department to clear debris that is obstructing repairs to our critical infrastructure. We currently have three Debris Management sites and operations in Augusta, Richmond County. One’s at Eisenhower Park, the second at Fleming Park, and the third at Lake Olmstead Stadium. These sites help reduce haul times to increase our daily production.”
Johnson said the sites are not open to the public to drop off debris, citing safety concerns. He also urged residents to not mix their debris when stacking at curbside for pickup.
“We ask that you please separate vegetative debris from construction and demolition debris. This is important,” he said. “As I’ve ridden around the city, I know that there are a lot of wooden fences that have been affected by this storm, but we ask that as you remove that debris from your yards, please separate it. Mixing the two will significantly slow down the removal process. Once we complete the vegetative debris collection, further guidance will be issued on all other types of debris.”
Johnson said, to date, the city has removed more than 408,000 cubic yards of debris from the streets and estimated it will reach two million cubic yards. Crews have removed hanging limbs and taken down four hazardous trees. Currently, there are 80 hauling units and three bucket trucks in operation.
Allen, who was named Administrator just three days before the storm hit, said utility systems and trash services are functioning normally, while recycling services are suspended. An announcement will be made when recycling resumes.
She also had a major milestone to announce.
“All of our traffic signals in Augusta-Richmond County, are now operational. Our traffic engineering team is now moving into the next phase, and that is restoring signal timing,” she reported. “So, we’re asking that you be patient if you’re stopped at a light and it seems to be taking a while before it turns green, we are working on that now, making sure that the communication across the system gives you smooth traffic flow.”
Given the magnitude of the widespread damage, ABD asked Criswell if there is a deadline for cities to finish cleanup and receive FEMA reimbursement.
“As far as the debris removal right now, there’s no timeline to get the debris removed,” she said. “I know that we have granted Georgia 90 days of 100% reimbursement for debris removal right now, but we can continue to do debris removal as long as it takes. Our goal is to be working with the communities every step of the way as they’re still doing those emergency measures to clear and stabilize but also as we start the rebuilding.”
Criswell urged anyone who needs assistance, be it for property damage or for the Serious Needs Assistance funds to help pay for essentials like food, water, baby formula, medication, and other emergency supplies, to apply immediately.
“You can either go to the Disaster Recovery Center, you can go to www.disasterassistance.gov or you can call 1-800-621-FEMA, or you can go to the FEMA app,” she said. “We also have teams that are out in the communities, going door to door. We call them Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams. They will have a FEMA shirt on. They will have a FEMA credential. If you have not registered and you see one of them, they can help you register.”
The center at the Hub for Community Innovation remains in operation. There is also a disaster recovery center at Aiken Technical College through Saturday, Oct. 26.
