VALDOSTA — Roads have begun to reopen as the flood waters continue to fall.
The Georgia Department of Transportation announced the reopening of US 84 between Valdosta and Quitman Wednesday morning. The road allowed motorists to travel along the inside lanes in each direction. The outside lanes of US 84 reopened Wednesday afternoon.
State Route 94 at the Alapaha River in Statenville remains closed, however. DOT workers remain busy as they check the damage and safety of other roads before they were reopen.
Local, regional, state and federal officials continued to tour the area to assess the impact of the flood waters Wednesday.
Valdosta Mayor John J. Fretti and Lowndes County Public Information Officer Paige Dukes took a ground and helicopter tour with Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine Wednesday to view flood damage in various neighborhoods, as well as at the Withlacoochee Treatment Plant.
Fretti also toured various neighborhoods and facilities impacted by the flood waters Tuesday with U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop and senior staff from his office, as well as senior staff from the offices of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss and U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston. They were joined by State Sen. Tim Golden and State Rep. Amy Carter.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) representatives have conducted a joint preliminary damage assessment of the area. If the damage meets certain “thresholds,” Gov. Sonny Perdue will request a federal declaration for assistance from President Barack Obama.
“It is critical that we are designated as a disaster area by the president, so that assistance can be provided for the homes impacted by the flood that did not have flood insurance,” Fretti said.
The Withlacoochee River near Valdosta was at a stage of 16 feet Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. The waters will continue to fall below the flood stage, which is 13 feet, by tomorrow afternoon, the weather service forecasted.
The Alapaha River at Statenville has crested and was at a stage of 31.4 feet Wednesday at 10:45 a.m., the weather service stated. According to the forecast, the river will continue to fall to a stage of 31.3 feet this morning.
The Greater Valdosta United Way is collecting monetary donations to benefit area victims of the recent flooding. Donations can be made to the Greater Valdosta United Way office at 1810 Plum St., Suite G, Remerton, Ga., 31601. Donors are all asked to designate on their check that the money is for the flood victims. Call (229) 242-2208 to learn more.
Local News
Related Photos
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“Road closed” signs block Skipper Bridge Road in Lowndes County. The road will be closed until the bridge can be checked out following the weekend flooding.
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A car crosses the bridge over the Withlacoochee River in Brooks County. The bridge was closed for several days due to flooding but was reopened late Wednesday morning.
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The waters along U.S. 84 East near Stockton and the Alapaha River have started to recede.
Discussion
Bridges, roads reopening
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