Carter County to participate in HEAL program for debris removal

On Monday, the Carter County Commission voted to participate in the HEAL program, allowing the county to apply for a $4 million loan from the State of Tennessee to fund debris removal from the effects of Hurricane Helene. The decision was made Monday night, because the deadline for the HEAL program is on Tuesday. Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby said this loan will help prevent the county from depleting its fund balance. The loan is only for public assistance and not for any individual assistance, so any debris can still be picked up if it’s on the right of way. Debris cannot be placed in trash bags. The debris removal started on Tuesday.