Smaller counties struggle with debris cleanup amid funding uncertainty
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Some smaller Georgia counties are re-starting their debris cleanup efforts after temporarily losing funding.
Counties like Burke, Jefferson and Glascock say the FEMA drop in reimbursement from 100% to 75% was definitely a time of uncertainty.
Even with temporary state funding to make up for the difference the clock is ticking to get as much done as possible before the rest falls on counties and their taxpayers.
Places like Jefferson County say clean-up would put their government in serious debt if the state didn’t pay the 25% FEMA left behind.
“The county could not afford to fund and throw in an astronomical amount of money to try to clean up,” says Jerry Coalson, Jefferson County . “We just have to hit those priority areas, and the rest would have to remain.”
Coalson says they’re on the clock with the state to get what they can done by March 24.
He says the county is fortunate to have the finish line in sight with more than 90% of debris removed.
Many could miss last chance for debris pickup in Columbia County
Many could miss last chance for debris pickup in Columbia County
Nearly five months after Hurricane Helene, Columbia County is now starting its final of debris pickup along the roads. So you'd better hurry, but follow the rules.
In even smaller counties, Glascock stopped operations until Monday to avoid potential debt and a severe burden on taxpayers.
“Our budget would not even stand 10% of what this cost to do this because with all this equipment running, I’m saying that we couldn’t even stand a week of having this equipment running,” says Coalson.
Burke County says it’s lucky to have funds set aside in reserves to pay for the million-dollar difference if the state does not step up with 25% funding.
The biggest concern isn’t finishing the cleanup, but what the cleanup would be like in the future if something like this happens again.
“These type of projects come along every, you know, 6 to 10 years or so, and, you know, you wonder what’s going to happen the next time, is there going to be a FEMA? Is it going to get funded, or is the state going to be left to pick up the tab?” Coalson says.
In Jefferson County, they say to meet the deadline they’ve already brought in more trucks to help with cleanup.
Burke, Glascock and Jefferson County all say they expect to finish debris removal in the next coming weeks.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
