Thursday, August 12, 2010

FEMA to Open Disaster Recovery Center in Starr Co.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will set up a Joint Field Office in Laredo and Disaster Recovery Centers in several counties (Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, and Webb) affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding by the end of the week.

The establishment of these offices comes as a result of Congressman Cuellar’s efforts in working with FEMA and the White House. For the last several weeks, Congressman Cuellar worked with FEMA and local community leaders to collect data and report to FEMA and the White House.

Following the President’s disaster declaration, Congressman Cuellar worked with FEMA to establish offices in the affected region.

The Joint Field Office to open up in Laredo will house FEMA, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Small Business Administration and other agencies, and will be the focal coordinating point in overseeing the recovery efforts in the region.
 Disaster Recovery Centers will be set up in Laredo, Rio Grande City, and Edinburg, with mobile units also setting up in Jim Hogg County.

This comes as result of President Obama declaring Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb and Zapata Counties a disaster area due to the strong rain brought upon by Hurricane Alex and other atmospheric conditions.

“Knowing the extensive damages that many residents faced during the flood, it was important for us to roll up our sleeves and ensure that FEMA set up offices here in the shortest time possible,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Many times, a person feels more comfortable meeting with someone face to face rather than communicating with someone on the telephone or with a recording. I invite all the residents affected by the natural disaster to take advantages of these services and visit the mobile sites.”

As part of FEMA’s efforts to assist the victims in the affected areas, residents can visit the mobile Disaster Recovery Centers to meet one-on-one with representatives on issues relating to the flood.

For more information or disaster recovery efforts, residents may call FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362.

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