Delta County has begun the process to declare a local state of disaster for damages suffered on Dec. 26, 2015. As proclaimed in a letter from Delta County Judge Jason Murray, the County has “suffered widespread or severe damage or loss of (or there is imminent threat of same) resulting from extremely heavy rains and localized flooding.”
This proclamation declares the County a disaster and in turn the city/county’s Emergency Management Plan has been implemented. It was issued on Feb. 23, 2016.
In the letter addressed to Governor Greg Abbott from Judge Jason Murray it was stated Delta County is currently facing tremendous physical and economic losses.
“The public works and roads situation in Delta County has been affected to an extent that an estimated 20 homes have been completely or partially isolated due to impassable roads and water crossings. It is estimated that road and bridge damage will exceed $153,000.00,” as stated to Governor Abbott.
Judge Murray also noted, “It is my belief the damage to homes, businesses, public works and utility systems due to the rain constitutes a public health and safety hazard. I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond Delta County’s capability to recover without supplementary State and/or Federal assistance. Additionally, I certify that Delta County does not have local funding available to make the needed repairs and to provide these citizens with effective relief.”
