PINSON AND TARRANT FLOODING Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins has been working for several years to find solutions to the flooding problems in her district.

By RYAN GRAVATT BIRMINGHAM POST-HERALD     (March 14, 2000)

A committee, set up by the Commissioner in July of 1997, has been researching federal and state programs that will assist the home and business owners affected by the flooding.  Commissioner Collins has expedited teams of county workers to assess the flood areas and determine which property owners will qualify for which relief programs.  A survey by the Federal government is currently underway.  Relocation for the owners with FEMA funds will require matching funds from the county.  The new stream of occupational tax money would provide funds to do this.  The lack of this occupational tax money could adversely affect the county's ability to offer affordable housing to storm victims.  The money could also be used for a countywide communication system and emergency warning sirens.