Flood debris pickup begins

Parish President Guy Cormier announced Monday that the contract for flood debris collection along St. Martin Parish roadways has been awarded to Tetra Tech Inc. of California. The projected $650,000 bill will be paid through a cost-sharing program. FEMA will pay 85 percent and the parish will match with 15 percent for the first 30 days from the official disaster declaration. From 30 to 90 days the split changes to 80/20. Cormier estimates that the clean-up will take 45 days and should be underway today (Wednesday).
Roadside pick up will be done in three or four passes, so it is not necessary to take all debris out at one time. Residents are cautioned against placing debris in ditches or directly on the roadway. Electronics, appliances and construction debris should be put in separate piles if possible.