Last call for Galveston Island Ike debris

GALVESTON, TX Friday, February 19 is the last day crews will collect hurricane debris from the city's right-of-way for free. The City of Galveston's debris contractor has been clearing Ike-damaged materials from neighborhood streets for the last 16 months, but as FEMA's 100 percent reimbursement deadline looms, officials are advising residents to take note of the final debris collection schedule.

March 13 marks the last day FEMA will reimburse the City of Galveston for 100 percent of all debris removal costs. To ensure all remaining debris is cleared by that date, residents must move their damaged items to the right-of-way for collection now. Contractors will are currently making final passes along all city streets. Once a particular block is complete, contractors will not be returning.

If debris is not placed in the right-of-way now, the city's contractor will be unable to collect it within FEMA's reimbursement timeframe. Residents who do not meet the deadline will have to dispose of debris at their own cost.

Hurricane Ike-related debris has far surpassed officials' original estimates. More than 1.5 million cubic yards of material has already been removed from Galveston Island alone.