U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Targets Dec. 31 For Last Pass For Debris Removal On Public Rights Of Way 

Release Date: December 2, 2005
Release Number: 1604-155

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JACKSON, Miss. -- The removal of debris from all public rights of way is a priority for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Due to the initiative to clear all public roads of debris left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has marked Dec. 31, 2005 as a goal to complete the last pass for debris removal along public rights of way.

Residents who are clearing debris from their property should make every effort to bring storm debris to the curbside no later than Dec. 15 to assist in this effort. If property owners discover hazardous materials on their property they should report it to their local governments for instructions on proper disposal.

This announcement applies to USACE public right of way debris removal activities in George, Jackson, Hancock, Lamar and Walthall counties and in the city of Pass Christian. Other USACE assigned communities have already completed, or are in the final stages of debris removal from the public right of way.

The mission of clearing public rights of way of debris is essential in making highways and roads safe for travel and will allow other recovery efforts to progress. Once the right of way mission is complete, more resources can be devoted to debris removal on residential and commercial private property.

“Removing storm debris creates a safer environment for individuals’ and communities’ recovery efforts and therefore debris removal is one of our key goals,” said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for FEMA’s Mississippi recovery effort.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.

Last Modified: Monday, 05-Dec-2005 10:47:19