By By Lisa Tindell
Alabama Governor Bob Riley addressed municipal and county officials Friday to discuss the possibility of help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Escambia County Commission Chairman David Stokes said county damages are estimated at $5.12 million, near the $5.8 million threshold needed to request federal assistance.
Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said his city is estimating $1.25 million in damages.
Escambia County Emergency Management Director David Adams said individual amounts submitted for the comprehensive total for damages in the county included $3 million for county roads, bridges, etc.; $38,000 for Sheriffs Department expenses; $1.25 million for Atmore municipality; $400,000 for Brewton municipality; $362,000 for Flomaton municipality and 594,000 for East Brewton municipality; and $250,000 for Poarch Creek Indians.
Adams said the declarations and assessments are the first steps in securing assistance from FEMA.
Adams said the threshold is based on population and must reach the $5.8 million mark before FEMA steps in to offer assistance.
Riley said the request would be expedited and he expected a quick response.
Adams said federal and state officials will come into the state and county to make final assessments.
The help offered by FEMA initially will be for public assistance only, Adams said.
Riley said Friday plans are already in the works to have teams of experts assess the damage early next week.
Adams said individual assistance may take a little longer to see happen.
Homeowners who experienced damage as a result of the storm or subsequent flood need to contact Adams’ office to begin the process for a request for assistance.
Adams said a separate threshold must be met by individuals before any assistance will be declared.
Riley said all city, county and state officials need to point out as much damage to the teams who will be assessing the need for assistance.
To contact Adams call the EMA office at 867-0232.