FEMA aid available for remaining flood debris cleanup
Debris was a major issue on waterways throughout Burnet County following the Fourth of July weekend flood that swept through the Highland Lakes. Property owners along several creeks in the county could be eligible for state and federal assistance with debris removal. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Burnet County residents with property along certain flood-impacted waterways have until Oct. 31 to apply for state and federal aid to help with removing debris left behind by the Fourth of July weekend flood.
Applications to the Private Property Debris Removal Program can be submitted online at this link. If an application is approved, a state contractor will remove debris within the high-water mark of five creeks that were particularly impacted by flooding, all free of charge to the landowner.
The program specifically applies to properties along Oatmeal Creek, Spring Creek, and the Russell, North, and South forks of the San Gabriel River.
“These waterways that we have identified were hit hard by the flood,” Burnet County Emergency Management Coordinator Derek Marchio told DailyTrib.com. “Getting rid of this debris will help mitigate future impacts.”
The debris must be directly related to the July flood and located within Burnet County to be eligible for the program. The removal of the debris also must be for the greater public good, meaning it will eliminate immediate threats to life, public health, safety, and mitigate future damage to improved public and private property.
The debris must fit within the following categories to be eligible for removal:
• vegetative debris
• construction and demolition debris
• household appliances
• household hazardous waste
For more information or questions on the program, contact TexasDebris@tetratech.com or 737-252-0575.
