Governor Bentley Requests 60 Day Extension of Operation Clean Sweep

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley today requested a 60 day extension of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS). Alabama was approved for this program following the April 27th tornadoes when an estimated 10 million cubic yards of debris was deposited across 65% of the state.

 

Operation Clean Sweep is a pilot program that was designed to provide a more immediate, deliberate and comprehensive approach to debris removal. As part of clean sweep, the President authorized a 90% federal cost share until July 12, 2011 for the removal of debris in counties designated for Federal Assistance that are within areas of extensive or catastrophic damage. Catastrophic damage is determined by the Federal Coordinating Officer in conjunction with satellite imagery.

 

“While great progress has been made to clean up the debris from the April tornado outbreak, there is still much work left to be done,” said Governor Robert Bentley. “That is why I am requesting that Operation Clean Sweep be extended for an additional 60 days.”

 

An extension of OCS will ensure private property debris continues to be removed at the same rate as right of way debris. A swift debris mission will continue to facilitate the temporary housing mission and is in the best interest of the public. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency predicts all debris will be removed by the end of September; as some jurisdictions started their private property debris removal at different times.

 

Currently, OCS is set to expire on July 12, 2011. This expiration only has reference to the cost share. Debris removal cost outside the OCS grids is 75% federal and 25% non-federal. If OCS expires on July 12, 2011, the debris removal operations inside the OCS grids will be 75% federal and 25% non-federal.