Clean-up continues for debris removal

The long, difficult process of cleaning the city of Piggott in the aftermath of the late January ice storm remains a work in progress. While the city has made positive strides in removing debris and brush piles, the devastation wrought by the unforgiving ice remains a constant reminder as piles of downed limbs persist around town.

According to mayor Gerald Morris, there were approximately 52,000 to 57,000 cubic yards of brush within the city limits.

"We went street by street to see just how much brush there was," Morris said. "That's the estimate we came up with. That just goes to show how hard we were hit by the storm."

While crews have been working to remove the debris from roadsides and rights-of-way, more piles are made as residents continue their part of the cleaning process at home.

As such, the city plans to have a "little lull" at some point in the near future on its removal efforts. This time will allow all persons and businesses to gather their remaining brush in anticipation for the city setting a final date for removal.

However, there is no final date for brush pick up currently set. Mayor Morris said he plans to wait until after meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) slated to take place next Monday before making any announcements regarding the matter.

"I think that once we have the meeting, we'll know more about how best to move forward."

City officials have made a point of following preferred practices as set forth by FEMA. Morris said the city rented the use of heavy equipment from local owners to use in the removal efforts thus far. While paying for the use of the equipment, the owners provided their own time and fuel without charge.

"There were several local people who owned equipment that were really very good to help the city out in any way they could," Morris said. "That really helped us out and we appreciated it greatly. I applaud the people who helped us. By renting locally, we were able to keep most of those dollars in the area."

Still, while renting the equipment, the city was able to dictate how and for what tasks the implements were used. Morris said FEMA prefers local governments to handle any clean ups in such a way.

Morris also extended his thanks to the residents of Piggott.

"I thank our residents for their patience and understanding throughout all of this. We've tried to develop a plan and work that plan to the best of our abilities. We have literally weathered the storm and are going to emerge from all of this together."