City, county to receive FEMA ice-storm reimbursements

Total storm-related costs to the city are estimated at $24.5 million, which includes expenses for supplies and employee overtime, in addition to contracts with two out-of-state debris-removal companies.

The first FEMA payment covers 75 percent of the city’s first request for reimbursement on its cleanup contract with DRC Emergency Services Inc. of Mobile, Ala. The city is asking for reimbursement on that $15.25 million contract as it receives invoices from DRC, according to city spokeswoman Louise Whall.

The city’s other contract is for $2.5 million with Orlando, Fla.-based Beck Disaster Recovery Inc., which monitors debris cleanup.

FEMA is expected to cover 75 percent of storm costs, and the State Emergency Management Agency is anticipated to reimburse another 10 percent. Whall said SEMA would consider reimbursement after FEMA pays its share. The city is responsible for the remaining 15 percent.

FEMA also has approved $850,000 in reimbursement to Greene County, which has contracts with DRC and Beck as well.

Total costs incurred for the county during and after the ice storm are estimated at $12 million, including a $7.5 million contract with DRC and a $2.3 million contract with Beck, according to county spokeswoman Jenny Fillmer Edwards.

The payment covers 75 percent of the county’s request for reimbursement. It is the county's third request; FEMA has reimbursed $214,000 from its first two requests.

The county also is eligible for up to 10 percent reimbursement from SEMA and will cover the remaining costs from its coffers.