Statement on HUD disaster recovery assistance for Texas wildfires
January 20, 2012
“I am pleased to announce that the Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide $31,319,686 in much needed emergency aid to Texas following devestating wildfires that spread throughout the state in 2011. At least 80 percent of the assistance will go to Bastrop County which suffered the greatest extent of damage and destruction from wildfires that occurred late last summer.
“After an initially slow and inadequate response to the fires, I held hearings with FEMA, met with leaders in the state, local and federal government, and personally toured the State, including the devastation in Bastrop, Waller and Travis Counties. I made a request to Fort Hood for Department of Defense resources available to assist with the crisis in this part of the state. In September I was able to secure DC-10s from the National Forest Service to fight the fires. When I toured Waller County in September, the residents said that the DC-10 was like "the Cavalry coming in."
“For months I expressed grave concern about cumbersome protocols in place for requesting assistance. These burdensome rules prevented firefighting assets from being utilized, even when fires were at their worst and people were desperate. Help should be a phone call away and not require an act of Congress.
“After lives have been shattered and hundreds of homes lost, it is appropriate that federal dollars assist our communities in our effort to rebuild. I would like to thank all the first responders and volunteers for their selfless sacrifices and extraordinary efforts to save lives and prevent further disaster.”
The day after most of the damage was done, homes continue to burn in the Colo Vista subdivision.
Congressman McCaul with Smithville VFD as they attempt to save a home.
Smithville VFD attempts to save a home.
Congressman McCaul receives a briefing at the command center Monday.
Helicopters dip into what little water remains in ponds and the Colorado River to fight the raging wildfires.
Exploding propane tanks force billowing smoke more than 3,000 feet into the air.
Congressman McCaul with Smithville VFD as they attempt to save a home.
Smithville VFD attempts to save a home.
Congressman McCaul receives a briefing at the command center Monday.
Helicopters dip into what little water remains in ponds and the Colorado River to fight the raging wildfires.
Exploding propane tanks force billowing smoke more than 3,000 feet into the air.
###