The City of Valdosta announces that President Joe Biden has approved FEMA's coverage of 100% of the costs for emergency and recovery operations in response to Hurricane Helene for a 90-day period, starting from September 24, 2024. This significant federal assistance will greatly support the City's recovery efforts. 

Debris removal services provided by AshBritt, Inc., along with monitoring by Thompson Consulting Services, are set to begin operations on Friday, October 4th or Saturday, October 5th. Crews are currently surveying the City and developing a strategic map for debris removal. 

Receiving 100% coverage from FEMA ensures that the full cost of the City's restoration efforts is covered, alleviating the financial burden on our local government. This support allows us to focus on recovery and rebuilding without the strain of additional expenses. 

"As we move forward with recovery efforts, this FEMA approval ensures we can restore our community swiftly and efficiently,” said City Manager Richard Hardy. “I encourage all residents to follow the debris guidelines and to please remain patient as we work to address all areas of the city.” 

“As we learned from previous storms, clear communication and cooperation from the community are critical to recovery,” said Assistant City Manager Catherine Ammons. “Our priority is ensuring safety and completing debris removal as quickly as possible, but we ask residents to help by adhering to guidelines and giving the contractors the space they need to operate.” 

Important Reminders for Residents:

• Keep storm debris separated. Do not mix yard debris with household goods or construction materials. Mixed piles will not be picked up. 

• Push debris to the curb, but not into the street. Debris left in the roadway could obstruct traffic and operations. 

• Avoid piling debris under or near power lines. 

• Debris removal is limited to curbside collection. Contractors will not enter private property to remove root balls or trees. 

• Keep streets clear of vehicles and equipment. This ensures safe passage for cleanup crews. 

• Limit traffic during cleanup operations to allow contractors to move freely. 

These guidelines are essential to ensure the efficient and safe removal of debris throughout the City. 

The City of Valdosta will continue to keep residents informed through regular updates on the City's website (www.valdostacity.com) and via its social media channels. We are grateful for the community's cooperation and patience as we work together to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.