Dawson is one of 21 Georgia counties approved for public assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Several roads in the northern and northwestern parts of the county were damaged by last month’s flooding.

Those roads have since reopened, though several will need their culverts replaced and shoulders rebuilt.

Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner said FEMA, along with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, estimates the flooding caused about $57,700 in damage to county roads and right of way.

“If approved as anticipated, we would be eligible for 75 percent reimbursement from FEMA,” Tanner said.

Federal and state officials have toured the county several times since in the flood aftermath and worked with county staff to process the required paperwork.

The county is taking proactive measures in an attempt to prevent similar flooding in the future, Tanner said.  

“In certain instances, FEMA will provide what is known as mitigation funding to assist with not only repairing, but also in up-sizing the culverts, so we are working with them,” he said.

Tanner said there were no reports of flooding in the county Monday, when nearly 4 inches of rain fell.

“We’re pleased that none of the culverts we’ve replaced in the last few years had any issues,” he said. “We’re very fortunate compared to many of the other 20 counties.”

The funding Dawson anticipates receiving is available only for public assistance, not private roads or homes.

Anyone who has experienced damage as a result of flooding can contact Dawson County EMA Director Billy Thurmond at (706) 344-3675 to learn about relief options.

“There are opportunities for private citizens and businesses to possibly receive low-interest loans through FEMA,” Tanner said.