County staff: FEMA and state programs are clearing stream debris but gaps remain; residents press for fuller cleanup

Harold Nef, a Lake Logan Road resident, told the board he still has significant debris behind his home after flooding and that contractors have been limited in how far onto private property they can work. He said he has contacted FEMA, the Army Corps, state officials and local contractors but needs the county to move additional work forward.

County staff explained that riverine debris removal after Hurricane Helen is proceeding in two ways: emergency FEMA funding under the federal declaration, which is narrowly targeted to infrastructure and safety risks, and the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service for more extensive stream and bank work. “We do not know exactly other than we have about 500,000 linear foot of stream that was approved by FEMA that has been picked up or a little bit remains to be picked up,” a county official said.

Soil & Water Director Dwayne Van Hook told the board he estimates between 100 and 150 sites are currently being addressed across the county but cautioned that FEMA approvals are tightly scoped to areas immediately threatening roads, bridges, culverts or habitations. He said the county has limited direct control while FEMA and the state SMART program hold the purse strings; once FEMA finishes, the state may provide additional funding but will not do so while federal funding remains available.

Commissioners asked whether the SMART program contractor (SDR) or state emergency management representatives could brief the board; staff agreed to try to arrange that and to follow up with state contacts. Commissioners also urged staff to provide residents clearer guidance on where contractor work is occurring and what remains to be picked up.