Texas Debris Removal Activities on Schedule 

Release Date: September 23, 2008
Release Number: 1791-032

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN, Texas -- Debris removal is a priority as Texas moves into recovery from Hurricane Ike; a three-phase plan to accomplish this is on schedule.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tasked its federal partner, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with removing right-of-way debris after the storm. The Corps is cooperating with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and local governments to complete the mission.

The debris removal mission has been divided into three phases. Phase one provides support to the TxDOT in clearing roads and critical infrastructure with push and pile operations.

"As part of our direct assistance to TxDOT we are working on clearing roads to critical infrastructure as determined by TxDOT," said Mike Bransford, USACE debris action officer.

The second phase, underway at this time, is to continue supporting TxDOT requirements with additional operations for removal of debris cleared during the first phase. The Corps is also removing sand from the main highway on Bolivar Point as part of direct federal assistance to TxDOT.

Phase three finds the Corps primed and ready to exercise its debris removal contract at a moment's notice. A unique aspect of the debris mission for the Corps in phase three is that the Corps takes on a role as technical advisor to Texas counties and cities. In this capacity, Corps members will support county and city debris removal needs through assistance with contracting, training, quality assurance and monitoring.

According to Col. Christopher W. Martin, commander of the Corps' Hurricane Ike Recovery Field Office, handling the debris mission in this fashion is a collaborative effort among the state, counties and FEMA.

"This gives everyone greater flexibility and responsiveness to the debris removal mission. It also allows for the affected counties to use more of their local contractors and possibly reduce costs the jurisdiction may bear," said Martin.

Whether engaged as technical advisors on debris removal or ready to execute contingency contracting initiatives, the Corps debris removal team stands ready to help clear pathways to aid Hurricane Ike victims in their recovery efforts.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 24-Sep-2008 08:09:20