Federal Money Available for December Storms

At the end of February, President Obama signed paperwork which allowed 33 Georgia counties, including Fannin, Pickens, Towns and Gilmer, to apply for money to reimburse expenses related to heavy storms at Christmas.  Local governments can apply for money to cover 75% or more for shelters, repairing roads and bridges and repairing public-owned businesses such as schools or community centers.  The grant also pays for hazard mitigation projects that will reduce long-term risk.

Along with the money available to local governments, money is available for non-profits which engage in community service activities.  The Small Business Administration is also offering low-cost loans to businesses that were affected by the storm.  There is no money available for repairing private homes.

According to Robert Graham, Director of the Emergency Management Agency for Fannin County, there are several repairs and projects that will be largely reimbursed by the federal money. Two large bridge repair projects had to be undertaken are Memorial Bridge at the end of Aska Road and Van Zandt Bridge on Newport Road in Dial.  Under both of these bridges, heavy debris like tree limbs and trunks lodged against bridge supports.  Though the bridges were never closed, it is a danger to leave the debris there.  On Van Zandt Bridge, it is questionable if heavy fire trucks can make it across.  Elsewhere in the county, there were mudslides and washouts that damaged roads.

The money also provides for hazard mitigation measures.  Mr. Graham wants to buy flood gauges for Hemptown Creek and Fightingtown Creek with this money.  He says the flood gauges will provide real time information about water levels, allowing EMA to better pinpoint when floods will strike.  He also hopes to use some of the money to purchase weather radios for Fannin citizens.