WASHINGTON CO. DECLARES LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER FROM WEATHER DAMAGE
Washington County has declared a local state of disaster as a result of damage from the recent heavy rain and storms.
along Tom Green Street in
Brenham as a result of
storms Thursday night.
(courtesy photo)
The declaration from the Washington County Judge’s Office states that severe weather and excessive rain over the past three weeks, beginning on April 26th, has caused road flooding resulting in damage to multiple roads, strong winds over 70 miles per hour leading to widespread power outages, damage to electric infrastructure, and trees down across over 50 roads.
The declaration activates the county’s emergency management plan and takes effect immediately, continuing for no more than 7 days unless renewed by the commissioners court.
As part of the declaration, County Judge John Durrenberger is requesting assistance from Governor Greg Abbott due to the severity of the incident at hand.
In a letter to the governor, Durrenberger writes that damage to county roads and bridges and the cost for removal of tree debris may exceed $164,703. He says the county “is currently facing tremendous physical and economic losses” and that an effective response “is beyond Washington County’s capability to recover without supplementary state and/or federal assistance.”
A copy of the declaration and letter to the governor can be read here.