USACE receives debris removal mission from FEMA following Kentucky tornadoes

USACE
Published Dec. 21, 2021
USACE Louisville District supports disaster response in western Kentucky

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emergency planning and response teams survey tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky, Dec. 16, 2021. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Katie Newton)

USACE Louisville District supports disaster response in western Kentucky

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emergency planning and response teams survey tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky, Dec. 16, 2021. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Katie Newton)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District has received a mission assignment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to begin debris removal and disposal in Graves County, Kentucky, which includes the town of Mayfield.

The $120 million mission assignment for direct federal assistance will include removal and disposal of approximately two million cubic yards of debris from Graves County where severe weather and tornadoes caused widespread devastation Dec. 10-11, 2021.

“This mission is the first step in assisting our fellow Kentuckians back on their feet and I am confident we will deliver with world class excellence,” said Louisville District Commander Col. Eric Crispino. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky is putting its trust and confidence in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisville District to assist the state and its residents recover from this catastrophic event.”

When disasters occur, USACE works under the direction of FEMA to support state and local governments in responding to major disasters. In cases where the damage and debris are so extensive that it exceeds local and state capabilities, FEMA can assign USACE a mission to provide debris management assistance.

The Louisville District is home to one of seven Debris Planning and Response Teams across USACE.

“We have a great bench of expertise in debris removal to accomplish this mission and are ready to respond expeditiously to assist our local, state, and federal partners as part of this disaster response,” said Crispino.

USACE issued a contract Dec. 20 to DRC Emergency Services out of Louisiana. Initial removal and disposal operations are anticipated to begin on Dec. 26. Cleanup operations are expected to last approximately four months.

Additionally, USACE is providing technical assistance and monitoring in another 13 counties in Kentucky. Under this mission assignment, USACE assists local governments in developing debris removal contracts and assists with environmental issues, as well as training and coordination of FEMA and local government debris monitors.

For the latest updates visit: www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/KY-Tornado or follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/louisvilleusace.


Contact
Katie Newton
(502) 315-6773
(502) 552-0374 (cell)
katelyn.c.newton@usace.army.mil
or
Abby Korfhage
(502) 315-6767
abby.n.korfhage@usace.army.mil

Release no. 21-061

News Releases (Hidden - Presorted LRD list)

USACE receives debris removal mission from FEMA following Kentucky tornadoes

USACE
Published Dec. 21, 2021
USACE Louisville District supports disaster response in western Kentucky

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emergency planning and response teams survey tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky, Dec. 16, 2021. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Katie Newton)

USACE Louisville District supports disaster response in western Kentucky

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emergency planning and response teams survey tornado damage in Mayfield, Kentucky, Dec. 16, 2021. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Katie Newton)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District has received a mission assignment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to begin debris removal and disposal in Graves County, Kentucky, which includes the town of Mayfield.

The $120 million mission assignment for direct federal assistance will include removal and disposal of approximately two million cubic yards of debris from Graves County where severe weather and tornadoes caused widespread devastation Dec. 10-11, 2021.

“This mission is the first step in assisting our fellow Kentuckians back on their feet and I am confident we will deliver with world class excellence,” said Louisville District Commander Col. Eric Crispino. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky is putting its trust and confidence in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisville District to assist the state and its residents recover from this catastrophic event.”

When disasters occur, USACE works under the direction of FEMA to support state and local governments in responding to major disasters. In cases where the damage and debris are so extensive that it exceeds local and state capabilities, FEMA can assign USACE a mission to provide debris management assistance.

The Louisville District is home to one of seven Debris Planning and Response Teams across USACE.

“We have a great bench of expertise in debris removal to accomplish this mission and are ready to respond expeditiously to assist our local, state, and federal partners as part of this disaster response,” said Crispino.

USACE issued a contract Dec. 20 to DRC Emergency Services out of Louisiana. Initial removal and disposal operations are anticipated to begin on Dec. 26. Cleanup operations are expected to last approximately four months.

Additionally, USACE is providing technical assistance and monitoring in another 13 counties in Kentucky. Under this mission assignment, USACE assists local governments in developing debris removal contracts and assists with environmental issues, as well as training and coordination of FEMA and local government debris monitors.

For the latest updates visit: www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/KY-Tornado or follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/louisvilleusace.


Contact
Katie Newton
(502) 315-6773
(502) 552-0374 (cell)
katelyn.c.newton@usace.army.mil
or
Abby Korfhage
(502) 315-6767
abby.n.korfhage@usace.army.mil

Release no. 21-061