May 3, 2011

Gov. Bentley: State will assume local cleanup costs

STAFF REPORTS

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Robert Bentley today announced the state of Alabama will assume all non-federal cost share requirements for Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal) regardless of whether the local jurisdiction requests direct federal assistance from the US Army Corps of Engineers or uses a private debris contractor.    

“I want our local communities to immediately get to work cleaning this storm debris and I understand the struggle on how local governments will pay their share,” said Bentley. “So that there is no delay in getting this recovery and rebuilding process moving quickly, I have committed the state to pay the local government’s share for 30 days.” 

If a local jurisdiction uses a private contractor for debris removal, the state of Alabama will assume the non-federal cost share from the date the local jurisdiction notifies the contractor to proceed.  If the local jurisdiction requests the US Army Corps of Engineers perform the debris removal, the state of Alabama will assume the non-federal cost share for debris removal for 30 days.    

The state will not assume any costs associated with debris removals that are not qualified for payment or reimbursement under applicable Federal Public Assistance Debris Removal regulations, rules or guidance. 

Local jurisdictions can immediately begin coordination with the local EMA director to start the process of removing debris. To contact the Cherokee County EMA office, call 256-927-3911.