Debris Removal Has Its Limits
Release Date: April 5, 2003
Release Number: 1454-22
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Winter Storms
Richmond, KY -- Disaster officials advised residents of 52 Kentucky counties Saturday that debris removal does not include yard waste, appliances, tires, junk cars and the like. "The material to be removed must be storm-related," said Cash Centers, assistant director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management.
Of the $44 million requested by local governments for recovery in Kentucky's 52 declared disaster counties, $17.6 million was sought for debris removal. Tornadoes, floods and rock and mudslides wreaked havoc across the state in a rash of winter storms in February.
Private contractors hired by the counties will remove debris created by the violent weather only. "This is not an opportunity to clear properties of decades of accumulated refuse," said Centers. "Contractors will be told not to load material that is obviously not storm debris."
Storm debris should be placed curbside or on the road right-of-way. Residents should call county officials to get collection dates and times. For information on disaster assistance programs they should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-3362.
FEMA pays 75 percent of the cost under its Public Assistance program. The Commonwealth pays 12 percent and the local government pays the balance.
Last Modified: Monday, 07-Apr-2003 10:18:14