Interim County Manager Melinda Brooks updated the Ware County Board of Commissioners on overpass projects and storm debris response at the Nov. 1 called meeting.
Brooks said engineers completed a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for the Albany Avenue overpass and are finishing right-of-way plans and revised design packages for CSXT review; if contamination is identified, a Phase 2 assessment would follow. She said the engineer is revising plans to remove retaining walls and to proceed with property acquisition steps.
On the State Street Overpass, Brooks said an access road had to be redesigned and moved from Cypress Street to Dresden Street to provide appropriate access to adjacent properties (Lewis & Raulerson). Deputy Clerk Melissa Bennett circulated photos of the plans to commissioners during the update.
Brooks also described the county's storm debris plan: a hotline (as provided in the minutes, 912-590-12-18) is open Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. through Nov. 15 for debris pickup requests; residents in rural areas must place vegetative debris at the county road right-of-way because contractor Crowder Gulf will not make multiple trips into rural areas. Brooks said FEMA representatives will keep the disaster recovery site open at the county administration building through Nov. 2 before relocating the site to Brantley County (as announced by FEMA staff).
EMA Director Daniell told commissioners there is still a substantial amount of debris awaiting pickup and described the county debris-removal process, saying entire trees and stumps on county property will be removed. Public Works Director Larry Thrift said crews are working around debris and contract crews to clear routes and that mowing and right-of-way work are being affected by the cleanup.
Brooks' report provided project milestones and logistical instructions for residents during recovery; commissioners did not take formal action on the overpass designs or debris plan at the called meeting.