Grants to clear tornado debris from local waterways: Your questions answered

Federal grant money is on its way to five Montgomery County communities hit by the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes to clear waterways of tree debris.

Dayton Daily News reporters asked more questions about the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service grants and how the remaining debris continues to impact residents. Consider joining efforts to produce quality local journalism like these recent investigations with a Dayton Daily News subscription.

Your questions answered:

Which communities will receive funds?

Brookville, Clayton, Harrison Twp., Perry Twp. and Trotwood are approved to receive USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service grants matched by local funds to clear debris from creeks. More than an eyesore, the debris poses future problems both upstream and downstream, according to city and township leaders.

How much will the federal money cover?

Final engineer’s cost estimates aren’t available, but the USDA grant will cover 75% of the project and the participating jurisdictions will cover 25%.

When will the project begin?

The projects are going through the final engineering approval process and Vue expects the service to solicit bids soon for a contractor.

“It’s more involved than going out there with a chainsaw,” said Vic Vue, a supervisory engineer based in the service’s Englewood office.

Click here to read the full report.

About the Author