SANTA ROSA, Texas (Border Report) – Republican Sen. John Cornyn, of Texas, sent a letter Friday to President Trump asking for more help for flood-stricken South Texas, Border Report has learned.
“Additional federal assistance is essential to protect lives, property, and public health,” Cornyn wrote in a letter that Border Report obtained.
Some parts of the Rio Grande Valley received over 20 inches of rain overnight on March 27 after strong storms moved through the border region.
At least two deaths have been attributed to the storms and wide-spread flooding that resulted after standing water built up and entered homes, businesses and still remains in some neighborhoods.
In Santa Rosa and other parts of Cameron County, feet of water still remain covering roads and inside homes. Several homeowners told Border Report they were upset because they weren’t affected by the rains but it was days after when the floodwaters from over-spilling storm drains and canals were rushing east, toward the Gulf, that their homes were suddenly swamped and their items ruined.
“The prolonged displacement caused by damaged homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure adds to the challenges faced by affected Texans,” Cornyn wrote.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on March 29 declared a state disaster for the South Texas counties of Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr. And he has formally requested an emergency disaster declaration by federal officials.
Cornyn’s letter emphasized the need for such a categorization, which would enable qualifying affected areas to receive necessary federal aid and assistance.
“The Governor and local officials have determined that the severity and scale of the storm exceed the response capabilities of both state and local governments,” Cornyn said. “I appreciate your attention to this matter and urge you to provide all available resources from the federal government.”
Under the governor’s disaster declaration, the following state emergency response resources have been engaged to help with local flooding and severe weather:
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: To support deployed emergency response resources across the state.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capabilities to assist with flood rescues.
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit to assist with flood rescues.
- Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles deployed to assist stranded motorists and residents in flooded areas.
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Severe Weather and Wildland Fire Support Packages, including medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
- Texas Department of Transportation: Crews monitoring road conditions and assisting with road closures.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents and County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers.
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring the state’s natural gas supply and coordinating with the oil and gas industry.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring in affected areas.
Despite nearly $400 million spent on drainage infrastructure projects in Hidalgo County since 2018, the flat topography of the region and existing aging infrastructure prevented the water from flowing east to the Gulf. And an emergency backup system — to use the Arroyo Colorado — proved clogged with vegetation and debris and ineffective in rapidly moving water.
The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission has since hired a Denver contractor to clear and dredge the Arroyo Colorado.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at [email protected].
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