City Manager Don Magner informed Richardson City Council during its June 17 meeting that debris cleanup could take six to eight weeks, instead of the initial four to six weeks that was estimated, because of higher amounts of brush.
The overview
Magner said there could be as much as 200,000 cubic yards of debris in the community following the severe weather. Crews are collecting an average of over 6,500 cubic yards of debris per day, which is about five times more than the 1,200 cubic yards of brush and bulky items collected during an average June service using only city vehicles, according to Magner's presentation.
The city has contracted disaster recovery firm Crowder Gulf to help sweep through the city. It has published an online map denoting where collections are taking place.
“Those vehicles have four times the capacity of our standard bulky and brush item collection trucks,” Magner said. “We’re very fortunate to have that contract in place and to have them as a partner throughout this recovery.”
To assist residents, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a disaster recovery center within the Network of Community Ministries building, located at 1500 International Parkway, Ste. 300. The center is open every day of the week, Magner said.
Digging deeper
Despite the damage caused, Magner said it is unlikely that the city will receive reimbursement for disaster recovery efforts because estimates have not met thresholds for both Collin and Dallas counties.
The disaster recovery center operated by FEMA can help residents apply for assistance, such as reimbursement for home damage repairs; damaged or destroyed personal property; and up to $750 to replace food, baby formula, medication and more, according to Magner’s presentation.
Loans from the Small Business Administration are also available for impacted home or business owners. Officials from the SBA are also located within the Network of Community Ministries building.
What’s next?
Work crews will continue to sweep the city for debris for about three weeks, according to the map published by the city. A second sweep for remaining debris collection is planned but has not been scheduled.
Magner said officials will update the debris collection map outlining areas that will be swept for debris on Mondays throughout the disaster recovery process. Residents can also check the city’s website for severe weather updates.
