Contractor paid $33 million to clear hurricane debris from Nolichucky

The US Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $33.7 million contract to DRC Emergency Services to clear debris from the Nolichucky River within the Cherokee National Forest.

The report said Jackson Island will be the contractor’s target, and work is scheduled to begin in early September.

Extracting harmful health hazards and debris that clogs the river is the objective, according to the corps, plus making a recreation area suitable for families by removing obstacles put there by Hurricane Helene. Officials estimate the work will take 240 days to complete, weather permitting.

(IMAGE: Property of US Department of Agriculture / US Army Corps of Engineers)