Thursday, April 24, 2008

Tornado Costs Power System $200,000

   Vic Pusser, General Manager of Lawrenceburg Utility Systems, told Lawrenceburg City Commissioners Thursday that the Friday, April 11 tornado was costly to the city, with no potential at this point for any sort of reimbursement.

   During the commission’s bi-monthly business meeting held April 24, Pusser  explained that when the tornado passed through the area, it interrupted electrical service for some 14,000 customers.

   The tornado passed through around 12:30 p.m. By midnight Pusser said, “We had restored  power to all but around 6,500 customers.” Power had been restored to all homes, Pusser said, by 4:00 p.m. Saturday. “That included setting thirty-two poles, running wire – everything…In that day and a half we spent approximately $200,000.”

   Because it was not declared an official “disaster,” the utility system, as well as many area residents, may not be able to obtain assistance regarding costs associated with the storm. “We have met with TEMA and FEMA (Tennessee/Federal Emergency Management Agencies),” Pusser said, “And it doesn’t look like we’re going to get any money back on it.” He indicated that they will, however, continue to check into the matter.

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