The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers began efforts Friday, October 26, 2018, to transition all debris removal from Dougherty County management to federal hands. The county’s emergency debris removal contract with Ceres expired at midnight Thursday, October 27, 2018. Dougherty County residents should see no difference in the debris removal process. The same trucks and the same skilled people will be out on the roads, picking up storm debris. The difference is that this effort will be completely federally funded.

“Having the Corps handle the storm debris clean up is a big financial benefit for the county taxpayer,” said Christopher Cohilas, Dougherty County’s Commission Chairman. “During our past natural disasters, the county has had to directly pay for debris removal and then seek partial reimbursement through FEMA.  In fact, we are still working through the reimbursement process for debris removal expenses from the 2017 disasters. We are fortunate this time in that we have been able to access an additional benefit that does not require taxpayers to cash-flow the storm clean-up expenses caused by Hurricane Michael. This is an important and meaningful benefit for a community still recovering from two disasters just 22 months ago.”

According to a press released issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers Saturday, a protest was filed that requires them to halt debris pickup across all Georgia counties. The protest is not expected to delay clean-up long.

“We understand these protests are common and are handled swiftly. We fully expect the Corps to continue the task of picking up debris very soon,” said Dougherty County Administrator Michael McCoy.

Corps contractors will not collect debris from private property. Collection will only occur on the right of way curbside of public roads. This right of way extends 10 feet from the edge of the road outward. Debris should be separated into six categories: electronics, large appliances, hazardous waste, vegetative debris, construction debris and household garbage.

The Emergency Operations Center will reopen Monday, October 30 at 8 a.m. The EOC is open weekly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Friday. Citizens with storm related questions can reach trained personnel at 229-483-6226 or 229-483-6227. The number of phone calls into the EOC daily continues to diminish.

“Based on our greatly decreased call volume, we are shifting to a new schedule,” said Jenna Chang, Dougherty County EMA’s Deputy Director. “We will be open 12 hours a day during the work week to ensure residents are still able to get accurate and timely information as we continue our transition from response to recovery.”

Residents in Dougherty County and surrounding counties effected by Hurricane Michael are urged to apply for Individual FEMA Disaster Assistance. People can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362. People can also meet with a FEMA representative face-to-face at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Albany.

“Making an application, even if you have insurance, is very important for the entire community’s recovery,” said Chris Cohilas. “Here in Dougherty County, all you have to do is drive around to witness the extreme, widespread damage. Every quadrant of our community was hurt by Hurricane Michael. This is unheard of for Dougherty County. But, the people in Washington, looking at our need, don’t get to see what we see. We have to show them with documentation. So, please, if you have experienced damage, apply for individual FEMA assistance.”

“FEMA can’t meet your need if they don’t know what your need is,” said Jenna Chang, Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director. “FEMA teams are out walking neighborhoods, going door-to-door and speaking directly with people about their damages and helping them apply for individual assistance. Many people have insurance, but some damages won’t be fully covered by insurance. FEMA can help with that gap.”

FEMA representatives are helping residents navigate the federal assistance application system at both Disaster Recover Centers (DRC) in Dougherty County. DRCs open today at 300 Cason Road (the Isabella School) and at Albany Technical College, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd.

The hours for the Dougherty County DRCs this week are as follows:

Monday-Saturday
8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Sunday
1 p.m. until 7 p.m.

The Red Cross is operating a shelter at Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1010 Old Pretoria Road, Albany. There is a nurse and counselor on-site, as well as hygiene kits. Showers and hot meals are available for storm survivors, as well as sheltering. The Albany Civic Center is no longer operating as a Red Cross shelter effective Tuesday, October 23. It first opened as a shelter on October 11.

People wishing to donate non-perishable food for storm victims and/or who want to volunteer in the relief effort should contact the Albany Relief + Recovery COAD at www.arrcoad.com or 229-288-2669. The physical location is at 925 Pine Avenue in Albany, but the staffed hours at the location are limited. Residents should contact the ARR COAD directly as the hours are subject to change.

Also happening:

Georgia Recovery Project, a grant-funded program operated by Aspire Behavioral Health and Disability Services, is offering mental health support for people in Southwest Georgia reeling from the latest natural disaster to effect the region. The services include individual and group crisis counseling, and are available for citizens in Dougherty County, as well as for people living in the following surrounding counties effected by Hurricane Michael: Baker, Calhoun, Early, Lee, Miller, Terrell and Worth. There is no cost for these services.

Phoebe is offering extended service hours at several neighborhood primary care clinics and specialty clinics for residents to improve access for southwest Georgians who are recovering from Hurricane Michael. Visit www.phoebehealth.org for hours and locations.

Dougherty County School System students returned to school on Monday, October 22. Resources are available for students and families effected by Hurricane Michael, including uniform assistance. Parents and students are urged to let their school administrators and teachers know if there is a need.

The burn ban has been lifted in Dougherty County. If citizens want to burn in the county, they will need to obtain a burn permit issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Citizens can get a burn permit online at www.gfc.state.ga.us or call 1-877-OK2-BURN (652-2876). Fire officials are asking that people never leave a fire unattended.

Residents are asked to put debris curbside, not blocking utilities, fire hydrants or driveways. Crews picking up debris will make multiple passes.

Albany Transit is operational.

The Red Cross is providing meals. Please contact the Red Cross for more information.

All volunteers must register with the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) at 925 Pine Ave and receive a bright pink tag/placard for their windshields that designates them as legitimate volunteers.

All contractors must register with the Business License office at 240 Pine Ave. and receive a bright yellow tag/placard for their windshields.

If volunteers/contractors are unable to produce this documentation, residents need to call the EOC or law enforcement. The safety of our residents is of utmost importance.

The County Commission will meet on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10 a.m. in Room 120 of the Albany-Dougherty Government Center.