LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Contractors working locally are offering their services to help cleanup storm debris in Lee County, but aren't sure if the county is willing to hire them.
Steven Hayes with Select Recycling Waste Services came all the way from Virginia to work with the Florida Department of Transportation. After completing their work with FDOT, they still have workers and equipment in the area sitting idle. They wanted to extend their services to counties in the area since there is so much work to be done. "We have the trucks, the man power, and the equipment to get inside the counties and pick up storm debris," said Hayes. "I know there's a need, and I'm here for it. But I just need somebody to give me an answer, to proceed or to move the trucks somewhere else, to a different county that will use them."
The company stationed several trucks in a vacant lot on Fowler and First Street to show Lee County officials they are in the area and willing to work for the price FEMA has approved, but have not been told yes or no.
Four In Your Corner reached out to the county to see if they are accepting any new contractors willing to work in the area. They sent the following statement:
"Before hurricane season started, the county pre-selected Crowder-Gulf Joint Venture through a competitive bidding process, and the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved a contract with the debris-hauling company. Crowder-Gulf continues to add more debris-removal equipment daily. Additionally, Advanced Disposal and WastePro, the county’s franchise haulers, are using equipment on weekends to assist with debris removal. The county is utilizing all of its available equipment to further debris removal."
It's unclear if the county is willing to hire extra help outside of that contract.
