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Because of the extent of damage caused by the April 19 storms, the Pike County Road Department will provide some debris removal assistance for residents through May 8.

The commission on Monday authorized the road department to use an outside contract to assist with the removal of debris from the roadways and rights of way because of the extent of the damage. Commissioners also pressed to provide a one-time process for assisting residents with the debris removal.

“I know we don’t usually do this, but because of the widespread damage … we need to do something to help these residents if we can,” said Russell Johnson, Pike County Commissioner.

“The  commission understands that some residents are struggling to dispose of the vegetative debris from their yards,” said Russell Oliver, county engineer.

As such, the road department will provide help with the following stipulations:

• The homeowner will be responsible for moving the debris to the county road right-of-way for pick up. County employees are not allowed to enter private property to remove storm debris.

• Vegetative debris (limbs, trees, etc.) caused by the April 19 straight-line winds storm is the only type of debris which will be removed. No building materials, household garbage or other materials can be removed.

• The debris must be from residential property. No debris will be picked up from agricultural lands, unimproved natural areas or commercial property. These include timber lands and hunting lands.

The commission authorized the use of up to $150,000 of the lodging tax rainy day fund to pay for the debris removal contractor. If the county qualifies and receives any funding from FEMA, the rainy day fund must be replaced.

Anyone with questions about the removal process can call the Pike County Road Department at 334-566-4508.