Carter County estimates $1,232,050 in flood damage to public property

Published 7:45 am Thursday, March 7, 2019

Carter County is still adding up the damages caused by flooding roughly two weeks ago.

Early estimates, however, have been released.

County officials estimate floodwaters caused $1,232,050 in damages to public property.

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County roads took the biggest hit. Carter County Road Superintendent Roger Colbaugh estimated that there was $1,069,000 in damages caused to county roads and this estimated figure does not include private roads or private driveways.

The Carter County School System, which is still surveying damages, estimates that the flooding caused around $100,000 in damages to school property which includes the damages caused to the Happy Valley High School’s Cannon-Gouge Park where water flooded the baseball and softball fields.

Two county buildings have reported issues due to the flooding. The Carter County Courthouse and the historic Folsom House, which houses the U.T. Extension Office, both saw flooding in their basement and cellar.

Repairs at Folsom House are estimated over $8,000 and includes replacing a heating and air system that was destroyed by floodwaters.

Carter County EMA Director Gary Smith reported that local utilities saw an estimated $55,050 in damages.

The county report does not contain numbers on the cost of damages that was caused to private property.

The county EMA did receive reports on damages to around 75 homes and apartments. Estimates on private property will be carried out by either TEMA or FEMA.