Hamilton County Council approves $2.85 million for flood recovery

Funding will support residents, businesses & debris removal efforts

The Hamilton County Council has approved $2.85 million in immediate funding to support residents, businesses, and emergency management officials as they recover from the flood.

Beaver

“The County Council is ready to provide any necessary funding for flood relief,” Council President Brad Beaver said.

Of that funding, $100,000 will be appropriated to Hamilton County Emergency Management to provide a wide range of services over the next several weeks. Those funds may be used for emergency housing, equipment and supplies, and other immediate needs that arise as residents and businesses begin the cleanup process.

The remaining $2.75 million will be appropriated to Hamilton County Emergency Management for debris removal and management in coordination with state and federal officials.

Altman

“This gives us a coordinated way to handle the enormous amount of debris left behind by the flooding while also making sure hazardous materials are properly identified, separated, and disposed of,” said Christine Altman, President of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “That’s important from both a safety and environmental standpoint, but it could also make these expenses eligible for federal reimbursement.”

Hamilton County has petitioned state and federal officials for additional disaster assistance, particularly funding available under Category A of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program, which covers eligible debris removal activities following a disaster. County officials hope increased federal participation will allow Hamilton County to recover a larger portion of the money being committed locally to the cleanup.

Residents who choose to hire a private company to remove or dispose of flood debris should be aware that those costs may not be eligible for reimbursement unless the work complies with applicable environmental regulations and is properly documented and certified. Additional information about debris collection and disposal will be provided as those operations are finalized.