Fannin EMA Director Robert Graham receives check from Charles Dawson, Public Assistance and Recovery Division Director for GEMA (Georgia Emergency Management Agency).

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.  The $142,206.87 has finally made its way to Fannin County.

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.