Clark County Seeks Disaster Declaration

Clark County Seeks Disaster Declaration
By Mike Scott

“We have 467 miles of gravel road in Clark County, and we have concerns or damage on all of it,” said Presiding Commissioner Paul Allen. “We had to replace three culverts after last Saturday alone.”
The Clark County Commissioners are in the process of seeking a disaster declaration for the county, which has seen several bouts of flooding this summer. The preliminary estimates of damage exceed a half-million dollars.
The Commissioners have had several recent meetings with federal and state emergency management officials to start the disaster declaration process.
To be considered for a disaster declaration, the county had to notify the state emergency management agency (SEMA). The state has to have at least $7 million dollars damage to be considered for federal relief. SEMA officials put together an estimate, which is then sent the governor’s office. If the governor agrees, he will request a disaster declaration from President Barack Obama.
“We might know something by September,” Commissioner Jerry Neyens said.
In the mean time, road crews are busy working on the county roads, as well as documenting their efforts with before and after photos.
“Everything has to be documented,” added Allen.
In other business, the commissioners met on Thursday, July 29, with Eric Westhues of Connell Architects, to review the final design plans for the new Clark County courthouse. Westhues will meet with all county offices to be sure the plans meet their needs. The public can get a look at the final plans and cost estimates on Tuesday, August 17 at 10AM. The meeting will be held in their temporary offices at 228 E. Main, Kahoka.