DTS Inc. is extending the timeline to pick up tree debris through July 9 from Red Bank city right-of-ways.
“Citizens need to get tree debris down by the road as soon as possible,” said DTS Inc. Chief Operating Officer Lee Buffington. “We will continue picking up through July 9. Areas hardest hit we will make another pass. If residents bring limbs and trees to the right -of-way it will be picked up.”
Buffington said he would like to encourage residents to be patient because the roads are narrow. He said DTS Inc. workers are picking up tree debris in areas with the most brush first and working their way to areas less impacted by the tornadoes last.
Red Bank Board of Commissioners approved to amend the $1,010,880 DTS Inc. contract June 21 to include limb, tree and stump removal not to exceed $20,000. Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay 87.5 percent of the cost of the entire contract.
Red Bank Interim Public Works Director Tim Thornbury said he would like DTS Inc. to take care of removing 112 hanging tree limbs, 68 leaning trees and 30 stumps in the city right-of-ways.
Thornbury said trees leaning in excess of 30 degrees on the city right-of-way should be removed.
FEMA estimates that 18,000 tons of tree debris will be picked up in Red Bank at $56.16 per ton. The city will pay an additional $234,000 to dispose of the debris at Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center. The city of Red Bank is paying monitors $13.80 per hour not to exceed $20,000 to write tickets for storm tree debris pickups.
Red Bank Mayor Monty Millard is telling citizens that the U.S. Forestry Service is committing to donate trees to replace those lost in the city during two recent tornadoes.