County added to state storm response

Gov. Greg Abbott included Bastrop County in a new decree recognizing the area’s recent icy turmoil.

Abbott expanded the state’s disaster declaration Feb. 20 in response to Winter Storm Mara. Other counties added included Anderson, Blanco, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Delta, Falls, Hopkins, Hunt, Kendall, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Red River, Robertson and Shelby.

“As the scope of damages sustained during the recent ice storm becomes clearer, it is important we continue to assist and provide full support to all impacted communities,” said Abbott. "The addition of these counties to our disaster declaration will ensure Texas communities have all resources available to them as they continue to recover from this storm. I thank (the Texas Department of Emergency Management) and our emergency response partners for working to meet the needs of Texans during this recovery process."

The governor initially issued a disaster declaration Feb. 4 and included Denton, Hays, Henderson, Milam, Smith, Travis and Williamson counties. Additional counties may be added to the declaration as damage assessments are completed.

Winter Storm Mara blew through Bastrop County and much of the U.S. Jan. 31-Feb. 3. Power outages, icy roads, freezing rain and temperatures and downed trees forced closures and effectively kept residents home for days. Mayor Theresa McShan issued an Elgin disaster declaration Feb. 6.

Abbott directed TDEM to request the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide personnel to certify reported damages through joint preliminary damage assessments in partnership with local and state officials. TDEM deployed specialized teams throughout the stateto work with utility providers and electric cooperatives in affected areas to capture infrastructure damages and identify potential opportunities for disaster assistance.

Texans have been encouraged to report ice storm damage to homes and businesses throughIndividual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) at https://damage.tdem.texas.gov. The information submitted by affected Texans helped identify resource needs and gain an understanding of the extent of damage sustained across Texas communities.