Formalizing a tornado recovery application

On the agenda for Oconee’s elected leaders will be consideration on whether to file a new request of the federal government for financial aid to further recover from the April EF3 tornado.  Oconee Emergency Services seeks the council’s blessing to seek up to $5.2 million from the Natural Resources Conservation Service of USDA.  A one-quarter local supplement would be required in the event of grant approval.  Chairman Julian Davis of the county council said there are numerous waterways still clogged by tornado debris. The county fathers are being told:  “The debris removal and watershed restoration is necessary to safeguard property, including valuable utility infrastructure, as well as the lives of County residents, from an imminent flooding hazard due to tree debris within Coneross Creek and other areas.”