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StumbleuponInitital Miami County storm costs over $100,000
Thursday, September 18, 2008
TROY — As repairs and clean-up from the Sunday, Sept. 14, wind storm continues, Miami County commissioners on Thursday, Sept. 18, declared an emergency in the county to position local governments to be reimbursed, if money is made available.
Late Thursday morning, nine of 25 jurisdictions contacted by the county Emergency Management Agency — townships, cities, villages, sheriff's office and so forth — reported preliminary cost estimates for storm response of almost $123,000.
Ken Artz, county EMA director, said he expects a "sizeable" number from Troy, which had not reported yet and where there are extensive power outages and trees and limbs lying on curbs to be collected.
"The big issue is they are still working," Artz said of clean-up efforts. "The figure will grow."
The declaration does not mean money is available, Artz said. "The state is trying to open doors to get federal money to townships, cities and villages," he said.
Commission President Jack Evans said the commissioners saw the declaration as "prudent and responsible.
For damage to individual's properties — to roofs, trees lost — no assistance program has been announced, leaving those claims, for now, to insurance companies, he said.
The commission met Wednesday with Sheriff Charles Cox, Health Commissioner Jim Luken, Artz and others involved in the emergency response for an update on damage and any special concerns.
Scott Miller, of the local Red Cross, said a reception center opened at a Troy church had not been used too much but likely would remain open through Friday in case there is a need.
A major plus from the storm was the lack of heavy rains and flooding. "What's working in our favor ... It is not hot. It is not cold. People can actually open their windows and live," Miller said Wednesday.
The largest preliminary cost estimate reported so far to EMA was from the city of Tipp City at $33,688. Tipp City's municipal electric crews had power restored to most of that community by 7 a.m. Monday. Power also was restored fairly quickly in Piqua, whose preliminary cost was listed at $19,810.
The village of Casstown's cost was at $15,000, while the county sheriff's office reported just over $12,000 in expenses.
Artz said the county is "doing well" in responding to the damage and clean up. As DP&L crews continued working Thursday to restore power to areas of the county, other major issues included management of debris, the "what will we do with it all," he said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2292 or nbowman@DaytonDailyNews.com.
