As Kewanee awaits a federal funding decision, residents are hopeful for the approval of a $400,000 FEMA grant to assist in clearing storm debris from the July 15th tornadoes. The grant would enable the city to manage cleanup efforts swiftly and maintain regular city services. Should FEMA deny the request, local authorities plan to reallocate additional manpower to manage debris removal after the Hog Days celebration. A decision from FEMA is anticipated by mid-August, which will dictate the city’s next steps in their cleanup process. If the grant funds are approved, the city will be able to hire contractors to complete the work in a timely and efficient manner without negatively impacting municipal operations.
According to a press release from the City of Kewanee, “Many residents have been asking how the City is going to handle the large piles of brush that remain from the storm on July 15th. We know residents are anxious to have piles removed from their property and we understand. However, we cannot neglect our normal duties such as trash and recycling pick up and street maintenance, especially with the holiday and Hog Days weekend quickly approaching. ”
If the city doesn’t receive FEMA funds, the collection of strom debris will need to wait until Hog Days is over and trash and recycling transition to LRS. This will allow more manpower to add debris removal to the workload. “Then we can more easily incorporate debris removal into our workload, but it will take a consistent effort for an extended period of time, because we need more time spent filling potholes before winter, the water and sewer systems require significant maintenance year-round, and then winter will be here before you know it. It is critically important that we fill potholes before inclement weather hits. Failure to do so will only make the roads worse and drive up the costs of repairs.”
The City of Kewanee says they are grateful to OSF Healthcare for allowing the city to use the former Kewanee Hospital site as a debris collection site. “We are grateful for those that have been able to take brush to the old hospital site for themselves and others. It will save us (which is you as taxpayers) a lot of time and money whether federal funding is provided or not. Once we have heard from FEMA, we’ll put out additional information regarding storm debris removal, our specific approach, what residents and businesses can do to help in the implementation of those efforts, and to establish clear expectations. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate through this process.”
