As stable power returned to the Texas electrical grid Feb. 19, Keller, Roanoke and Fort Worth announced that some city services would reopen, while cities and local organizations launched efforts to support local communities during a return to normal after millions across the state went days without electricity.
Notably, the boil water notice was lifted for north Fort Worth on Feb. 19, though boil water notices remain in effect for Keller, Roanoke and other cities that buy water from Fort Worth. Water main breaks continue to affect water access for residents of Fort Worth and nearby cities, but emergency conservation efforts are no longer required, the city of Keller announced.
Gov. Greg Abbott said in a Feb. 18 press conference that power generation issues across the state had been resolved and that ongoing power outages are the result of local system failures, which utility companies are working to fix.
Keller
The city and the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce announced that eight Keller restaurants will provide free hot meals to the community at The Bowden Event Center from 4-7 p.m., or until meals run out, on Feb. 19 and 20.
The individually packaged, to-go meals will be available at 1775 Keller Parkway, and will be provided by local restaurants FnG Eats, Sweet Memories Cakes and Catering, JR’s BBQ-N-More, DeVivo Bros. Eatery, Jason’s Deli, Hook & Ladder Pizza Co., Boca 31 and The Lost Cajun, according to chamber President and CEO JoAnn Malone. Smile Doctors will also be giving out free toothbrushes, toothpaste and bottles of water.
Those interested in donating to help restaurants recoup the costs can call the Keller chamber at 817-431-2169 or email [email protected]. Trademark Mortgage will be matching donations up to $5,000.
With Keller’s water boil notice still in effect, Milestone Church and Samantha Springs began providing free water for residents at 201 Mt. Gilead Road, Keller, at 1 p.m. on Feb. 19 with no set end time.
Keller announced Feb. 19 that the city’s water system had been refilled and re-pressurized, which means the city can begin testing its water. Once testing is complete, the Keller water boil notice will be lifted, which the city said should happen by Feb. 22.
The city also announced Feb. 19 that Keller Town Hall and Keller Public Library would resume normal service at 10 a.m., though The Keller Pointe will remain closed due to minor damage. The warming station at Keller Public Library will remain open through Feb. 19.
Additionally, normal garbage and recycling collection service will resume Feb. 22, the city said.
Roanoke
The city of Roanoke announced that city offices and the Roanoke Recreation Center would remain closed Feb. 19.
The city’s water boil notice remained in effect as of Feb. 19, and the city said the earliest it could be lifted is Feb. 21.
Roanoke also announced Feb. 19 that Roanoke Public Works would open dumpsters for residential trash beginning Feb. 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The service is free for Roanoke residents with proof of residency (driver’s license or water bill), but recycling and bulk waste will not be accepted. Regular waste collection will resume Feb. 23.
Fort Worth
The city of Fort Worth announced Feb. 19 that the Tarrant Area Food Bank will provide emergency food boxes at Herman Clark Stadium, 5201 C.A. Roberson Blvd., Fort Worth, on Feb. 19, 20 and 22 at various times. More information can be found at www.tafb.org.
The city also announced Feb. 18 that bottled water stations will be operating at fire stations and schools on the north and west sides of the city.
According to city officials, waste collection is suspended until Feb. 22 because of unsafe street conditions. According to a city news release, once service resumes, residents can place extra bags of trash next to their cart, but recyclable waste should be kept inside recycling carts. Extra recyclables can be taken to one of the city drop-off stations at 2400 Brennan Ave., 5150 Martin Luther King Freeway, 6260 Old Hemphill Road or 301 Hillshire Drive, Fort Worth.
To make extra resources available for trash and recycling collection, yard waste collection is suspended until March 1.
