What’s happening?
On July 21, the Texas Legislature will hold a special session, which includes discussions on
- Flood warning systems
- Flood emergency communications
- Relief funding for hill country floods
- Natural disaster preparation and recovery
Resolution language called for additional state support for flood warning systems within the county and other flood-prone areas in the state. The resolution also calls for support to provide stipends for first responders who have worked tirelessly in search and response efforts.
Alongside state support, Kendall County was added to President Donald Trump’s disaster declaration, allowing the county to have access to support from federal organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
What else?
As of July 14, Kendall County has no missing persons and nine recoveries. Residents are asked not to clear debris piles until they are fully searched, and additional clean-up efforts are scheduled to begin in the next few days, according to an announcement from the Kendall County Office of Emergency Management & Fire Marshal.
For those interested in volunteering in Kendall County, a document was created to provide additional information. Information on support efforts in Kerr County can be found here.
What they’re saying
Precinct 4 Commissioner Chad Carpenter highlighted the support from the community and the benefit of flood warning systems in the Comfort area, which contributed to public safety.
“The flood warning system was something the volunteer fire department and community had been working on for years,” Carpenter said. “It was great that the court supported them in that venture, but this is the community really pushing for this.”
Carpenter added that the national assistance for the natural disaster has helped with recovery efforts.
“It is hard to keep my emotions through this when you see the amount of people throughout the entire country stepping up and helping out, and I am grateful for them,” Carpenter said.
