Dougherty County’s government sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Friday, November 2, 2018 giving permission for Lee County to “use property in Dougherty County, Georgia for the temporary staging, storage, reduction, and final disposal of Hurricane Michael storm debris.” According to Larry Cook, Dougherty County’s Public Works Director, this was a temporary solution for Lee County debris crews that were dealing with extremely wet ground at their landfill Friday following heavy rainfall on Thursday, November 1, 2018. Cook said about 30 Lee County trucks utilized the Oakhaven Drive Debris Management Site on Friday.

“Our Lee County neighbors were in a bind, and it was a no-brainer to give them a helping hand,” said Christopher Cohilas, Dougherty County’s Commission Chairman. “County lines might separate us, but at the end of the day we are all Southwest Georgians, and we are all in this Hurricane Michael recovery together.”

“The wet weather is also creating some problems here in Dougherty County, making it difficult for trucks to get in and out of some of the lower lying debris sites,” said Mr. Cook. “The Oakridge DMS is shut down because of water issues. The Gillionville DMS opened up (Tuesday), and it will be very busy in the coming weeks. Residents need to be mindful there will be increased truck activity on Gillionville Road, and we ask that drivers please use caution and be patient.”