Updated: City Braces For More Heavy Rain

Fairhope, Alabama fairhopetimes@att.net

(UPDATE: NEW FEMA INFORMATION BELOW)

MANY REPAIRS COMPLETED
New Berm. Click for live view.

City crews have been scurrying to make repairs to damaged drainage systems in anticipation of a new possibly-heavy rainstorm this weekend. Last week the city got 16.5 inches (within about 12 hours), according to water/sewage department measurements.

(About 223,000 gallons of sewage was discharged into gullies/waterways during last week's event)

Some areas along the edge of the bluff have been taped off -- and small berms have been constructed along the bluff overlooking the pier and the north end of Bayview St., where there is a history of erosion.

Sod was being replaced at several points and additional drainage pipes from the bluff above installed at one point on the south end. There may have been a new 1,000 gallon sewage spill in that area as well on Wednesday -- due to a ruptured sewer line.

The sink hole on Oak St....  has been filled in and the one in the Winn Dixie parking lot was being filled Thursday by private contractors.

The damaged wall at the Dog Park has been repaired, but more maintenance is needed. The park remains closed.

Weather radar (2PM, Friday): (A flash-flood watch went into effect at 1PM)



FEMA INVOLVED?

The Times asked the Mayor and other city personnel if FEMA would help finance repairs, but has not yet received a reply. Baldwin County was declared a major disaster area by the President last week.

Updated: The city provided information for private citizens seeking help:

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened at the Fairhope Civic Center in the Delchamps Room. The DRC will operate Monday –Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Center is for walk-in assistance only, no phone calls will be taken at the site or at the Civic Center.
Phone calls should still be made to 1-800-621-FEMA.

Rep. Steve McMillan spoke with the State EMA Director and he was advised that in order to get assistance for damage from the weather last week,  the first thing anyone needs to do is call1-800-621-3362 and register with FEMA, even if you don’t think you qualify for assistance from FEMA, if you decided to apply for a SBA Loan in the future, you must be registered with FEMA.

HOMELESS CAT OK

A feral cat living in the woods north of the duck ponds seems to be doing well: it is being cared for by the Fairhope Cat Coalition.  Ducks and geese often share the cat food left there.



N. Bayview bluff

N. Bayview basin repairs


more drainage pipes


Winn Dixie sink hole fixed


Dog Park wall fixed


homeless cat ok



Comments

Anonymous said…
The cat must have more than 9 lives.
Anonymous said…
The whole thiing can be blamed on global warming and the Fly Creek PUD!!!!! Where is our leader Paul Ripp or Dr. Warner?
Anonymous said…
They aree disappointed with their new city council that has returned to secrecy, favoritism, and big spending, want another "clean sweep" already.