LINDEN – Clean-up efforts following Hurricane Ivan could cost Marengo County well into the millions of dollars, according to preliminary estimates by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Preliminary estimates of what it is going to cost for debris removal, damage to public buildings and equipment, utility systems and any emergency protective services is more than $3.5 million,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency spokesman Scott Adcock said.

Already, the City of Linden is reporting more than $100,000 in clean-up costs, and the work is not done.

“FEMA has received a cumulative 1,261 requests for individual assistance from Marengo County,” Adcock said. “Through the Individuals and Household Program $1,684,674 assistance has been approved.”

Statewide, more than $105 million in disaster recovery assistance has been approved.

“In the month following Hurricane Ivan, more than 109,000 Alabama residents have registered for disaster recovery assistance offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and other federal and state agencies,” FEMA statistics revealed.

Additionally, nearly 6,000 emergency and support personnel assisted in recovery and response operations, including federal and state agencies, volunteer groups, state, county and local emergency management personnel, local police and fire personnel and the Alabama National Guard.

More assistance may be available to eligible individuals.

“Residents and businesses in 65 Alabama counties may be eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA and are encouraged to apply by calling FEMA’s toll-free number at (800) 621-3362 or TTY at (800) 462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired,” FEMA stated. “The deadline for applying for assistance is Nov. 15. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.”

Residents can also apply for assistance on the agencies Web site at www.fema.gov.