Hurricane Katrina Debris Removal Makes Great Strides 

Release Date: October 15, 2005
Release Number: 1605-069

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina

MONTGOMERY , Al. -- More than 2.3 million cubic yards of Hurricane Katrina debris have been collected and disposed since debris cleanup began in earnest in early September.

The task is enormous. Debris consists of construction materials, damaged buildings, sediments, green waste, and personal property. The debris disabled electrical power and communication systems, obstructed roads and presented state and local governments with a huge challenge to collect, remove and dispose of the unwanted windfall.

State and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specialists began assessing the situation in the 22 disaster-declared counties almost immediately after the August 29 th landfall. They estimated the storm-tossed waste totaled over 4.1 million cubic yards; in every day terms a debris field equivalent to 60 football fields stacked 100 feet high.

FEMA debris specialists also began working with local and state officials providing removal expertise, monitor training and technical assistance. To date, the local governments have removed approximately 65% of the debris.

Senior Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer, Michael Bolch said, "Removing debris quickly during recovery is a clear priority. If not, it becomes a safety concern for the local communities. Clearing the roads and public areas minimize the risk of having a greater harm within a disaster."

The FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program reimburses 100% of debris cleanup in public places such as roadways for 60 days from the date of declaration which will end on Oct 27 th . After which FEMA will reimburse 75% of the cost while state/local governments share the remaining 25%. Some 245 applicants, including state, local governments, certain private-non-profit groups have applied for PA reimbursement in Alabama .

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities to reduce the risk of loss in future disasters, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Monday, 17-Oct-2005 07:14:27