Benton County and its Cities Face Significant Cleanup After May Storms
Benton County and its cities, including Bentonville and Rogers, are in the process of cleaning up massive amounts of debris left over from the devastating Memorial Day weekend storms. The sheer scale of the cleanup efforts is staggering, with over 2.1 million cubic yards of debris collected so far.
Debris Collection Efforts
The collection efforts have been ongoing, with various contractors and local initiatives contributing to the removal of storm debris. Looks Great Services, a company contracted by Bentonville, Rogers, and Benton County, has played a significant role in this process. As of now, Looks Great Services has collected over 941,000 cubic yards of debris alone[1][3].
City-Specific Initiatives
Bentonville has been actively taking steps to manage its storm debris. The city has set up a compost facility at 2000 NW A Street where residents can drop off vegetative storm debris. Residents must show an ID and proof of residency to utilize this facility, which operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Beginning August 12, 2024, contractors will need to be accompanied by a resident to offload material collected in the city[4].
Community Response
The community response to the disaster has been remarkable, with residents, local government officials, and volunteers all pitching in to help. Rogers Mayor Greg Hines has highlighted the progress made by the contracting firm, noting that over 85,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris were collected as of the sixth day of their operation. Additionally, SWEPCO has begun a debris cleanup operation to safely remove downed poles, wires, and transformers to restore power[2].
Assistance Programs
There have been several assistance programs put in place to support those affected by the storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared the area a disaster zone and is providing relief assistance grants. Almost 2,300 residents have applied for these grants, which can be obtained online or by phone. The Excellerate Foundation, a local organization, is also providing short-term financial assistance through the Benton County Relief Fund. This fund is designed to help households with annual incomes below 5,000 and has already distributed multiple checks to affected residents[2][5].
Ongoing Efforts
The cleanup process is expected to continue for several more weeks, with residents urged to keep the streets clear to expedite the removal of debris. Residents are also advised to sort their debris into vegetative, construction and demolition, and household hazardous waste categories to facilitate efficient removal. Commercial entities are responsible for their own debris removal from large commercial areas like shopping centers and industrial facilities, as FEMA does not cover these expenses[4].
The aftermath of the May storms has brought the community together, with numerous drop-off sites and volunteer opportunities available. High school students are also participating in clean-up efforts, helping to fulfill service hour requirements through volunteer work like walking fields and cleaning up debris. The resilience shown by the community during this time has been praised by disaster relief officials, emphasizing the importance of a whole-community approach to recovery.
Key Points:
– Debris Collection: Over 2.1 million cubic yards of debris collected in Benton County and its cities.
– Contractors: Looks Great Services has collected over 941,000 cubic yards.
– City-Specific Initiatives: Bentonville’s compost facility operational; contractors must be accompanied by a resident to offload debris.
– Community Response: Residents, local officials, and volunteers contributing to cleanup efforts.
– Assistance Programs: FEMA relief assistance, Excellerate Foundation’s Benton County Relief Fund providing financial assistance.
– Ongoing Efforts: Residents urged to keep streets clear for efficient removal; commercial entities responsible for large-scale debris removal.
– Volunteer Opportunities: High school students participating in clean-up efforts to fulfill service hour requirements.
