‘We’re all in this together’: Augusta officials give update alongside top White House advisor
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - More than one month after Hurricane Helene, Augusta’s debris cleanup is slowly but surely coming along.
On Wednesday, Augusta leadership gave their update on what they’ve done so far, alongside a top White House advisor.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson says so far crews have picked up more than 600 thousand cubic yards of debris, which crews say equals out to about 6,000 football fields
However, when it comes to recovery, debris is just one part of the process.
“I report back with optimism to the president and the vice president because our colleagues at FEMA are working their tails off and they’re not going anywhere,” said White House Senior Advisor, Tom Perez.
Firefighters urge don’t burn debris amid Helene cleanup in Aiken County
Firefighters in Aiken County are advising people to not burn their yard debris as crews work to cleanup.
Perez said he is impressed with the people of Richmond County but is also hopeful for the future.
‘The folks here in Richmond County have been remarkable,” said Perez. “We will continue to work very closely with the governor and his team. We are all in this together.”
Johnson also gave an update on FEMA relief registrations.
“So far to date, 62,466 Augusta-Richmond County residents have ed with FEMA in the disaster relief center process,” said Johnson. “There were 226 applications just yesterday.”
Johnson says Comcast has restored service for nearly 99% of residents.
“Representatives are coordinating with debris contractors to ensure that debris is collected without cutting existing power lines that prevent folks from having service,” said Johnson.
The mayor says Georgia Power will soon start replacing missing streetlights.
Debris concerns continue to loom tall for Augusta city leaders
Debris was a key topic of discussion when Augusta Commission and other officials met at the committee level, with leaders approving millions.
“They expect to replace more than 800 street lights,” he said. “This is important because I’ve heard a lot of complaints from individuals who have poles that were down in the neighborhoods and that it’s really dark, but Georgia Power will replace all missing and damaged street lights, aiming to complete this by the end of Thanksgiving week.”
Debris is on the minds of many, and that’s because it’s hard not to notice it.
The mayor says Walton Way along with Wheeler Road are two areas crews are focusing heavily on due to the volume of debris.
Over at the canal, the city shut it down from the pumping station all the way to Savannah Rapids.
Augusta Utilities director Wes Byne says there are more than 100 trees down along the canal, and there is a lot of debris in the canal they have to remove.
Johnson says FEMA has estimated the removal of these trees will cost an additional $1.4 million.
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