County launches road debris pickup following storms

Taylor Six, Richmond Register, Ky.
·2 min read

Jan. 6—Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor announced Tuesday the Madison County Road Department has launched a Tornado Relief Debris Removal program after an EF-1 tornado swirled through Madison County last Saturday afternoon.

The program will be part of the county's response to the emergency declaration by Judge Executive Reagan Taylor on Jan. 2.

"There is no doubt the tornadoes that ripped through northeast Madison County, specifically the Union City area caused large amounts of property damage — much of which was in the form of downed trees," said Judge Executive Reagan Taylor. "We are pleased to be able to provide citizens with an option for curbside tree removal in Union City to help with their cleanup. As I am sure everyone can appreciate, the curbside program requires extensive coordination, as well as compliance with the federal laws so we ask that citizens be patient with our staff as they work to address everyone's pickup needs."

Work began for the road department early Saturday morning to address flooding around 8 a.m. near Berea and were heading back into Richmond when the tornado hit around 2 p.m.

According to Madison County Road Department Supervisor Scott Shepherd, their staff of 14 were able to have an immediate response to debris.

"The tornado hit by 2 p.m. and we had all roads open by 5:30 p.m.," Shepherd said.

On Wednesday morning, following the enactment, Shepherd said his department has received several calls to schedule pickup for debris.

Shepherd said the county and his department are "very lucky" because the department had the debris pickup model in place last year during the ice storm.

"We mimicked that and made the area we served smaller and a smaller time frame of when we are picking up," he said.

Debris available for pickup includes leaves, tree branches, limbs, trees, and other natural vegetation. All of that debris should be placed curbside without blocking the roadway or storm drains. Items which are placed on sidewalks will not be picked up.

To schedule a pickup, register online at madisoncountyky.us or call 859-624-4739 for questions.