In the early weeks of 2024, Mother Nature tested the mettle – and melted the budget – of Houston County. Severe weather wreaked havoc on our community, leaving a staggering $3.507 million hole in our county budget – a substantial figure for a county of 107,000 citizens. One would assume federal assistance from FEMA would be forthcoming, but the reality is more complicated and, frankly, unfair for border counties like ours.
The system penalizes us for our geographical location. Storms don't respect state lines, yet our eligibility for aid depends on the total damage within Alabama's borders, ignoring the significant impact we sometimes share with adjoining counties in neighboring states. Despite our local damages surpassing the county’s required threshold for assistance – not once, but twice this year – we've been left to fend for ourselves because statewide, Alabama did not hit the arbitrary $9 million mark required for assistance to kick in.
Take the Jan. 9 tornado that nearly decimated Cottonwood, for instance. While neighboring Jackson County in Florida received federal aid due to meeting their state's threshold, we in Houston County are facing a $1.2 million cleanup bill alone. Then came the Feb. 12 deluge, which caused significant damage to 20 county roads at an estimated cost of $2.307 million. Again, we are left standing alone without assistance.
This isn't just about money; it's about the principle of equitable treatment under federal guidelines. The current approach to disaster assistance is not only doggedly bureaucratic but also inequitable, leaving counties like ours at a significant disadvantage.
Even when we do qualify for federal assistance, our experiences with FEMA have been fraught with frustration. After qualifying for aid after Hurricane Sally in 2020, we completed the necessary repairs but waited over three years to receive the final reimbursement. One reason why is because projects stay open so long that new people constantly cycle in and out at the agency, causing confusion when a new person wants paperwork done a different way than before. The continuous bureaucratic reshuffling and process changes within FEMA lead to unnecessary delays, demonstrating a need for administrative reform within the agency.
In another example that came out of Hurricane Michael, FEMA retracted the approval for one project site and deferred the project to the Federal Highway Administration, sending residents, school buses, and emergency vehicles into a 5.4-mile detour for 11 months.
Our call to action is clear: FEMA needs a reform. It needs administrative reform, and its system of assistance needs to reflect the realities of border counties. Criteria must be revised so that when neighboring states qualify for aid, border counties like ours aren't left in the lurch. This is common sense, not rocket science.
Although reform may be slow and outcomes uncertain, we remain hopeful. Our recent conversations with elected representatives in Washington were promising. They've pledged to explore this issue, and I look forward to working with our federal representatives to find a solution.
The Houston County Commission is steadfast in our commitment to recovery and to seeking additional federal and state resources to alleviate our budget strain. We are also advocating for FEMA reform so that border counties no longer must endure what we have.
We are also thankful for the community spirit that has shone through, especially during the Cottonwood tornado. Volunteers from local fire departments, churches, and groups from across the state rallied to support the town. Their efforts are a testament to the strength and generosity of Alabamians – a true silver lining in these trying times.
Houston County has been hit hard, but our resilience is unwavering. We'll continue to rebuild, advocate for change, and stand strong against the storms, both literal and bureaucratic, that come our way.
Brandon Shoupe is the chairman of the Houston County Commission.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819news.com.
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