BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The price tag of food lost in the City of Bluefield because of the extended power outages is estimated to be at least $1 million.
City Manager Cecil Martin told members of the City Board Tuesday that total will likely rise considering virtually every business and residence in the city lost power for an extended period of time.
Marson said the financial impact continues to be assessed, from the fallen trees to damaged houses and cars, and the total damages or even estimates are yet to be tallied, and that is why it is crucial for anyone who has damage or losses like food should complete the damage assessment survey.
That form is available online at the city’s website, bluefieldwv.gov. and should be filled out for losses even if residents have insurance.
Marson said that at one time during the storm 97 roads were blocked by trees in the city, which experienced a complete blackout for 36 hours, starting at 4 p.m. on Sept. 27.
Clean-up efforts continue and although the City Park will no longer accept debris because it’s reached its saturation point, Mercer County Landfill Executive Director Eli Testerman said the landfill will accept brush free of charge through Friday from West Virginia residents only.
But Testerman said it must be all brush. If any trash is included, residents will be charged.
Marson said plenty of work remains to be done and he praised all city employees and first-responders for their work as well as the many residents who have jumped in to help their neighbors.
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