State Relief Coming For Flood Victims
EL PASO, TX. — Relief is on the way forEl Paso-area residents who suffered property lossesin Tuesday’s major rainstorm, city officials said Wednesday.
Most of El Paso has been declared a state disaster area. Officialsspent the day on Wednesdayto assess damage as they try to determine how much monetary aid will be needed.
ABC 7 spoke with representatives from Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s press officeon Wednesday afternoon. Those authoritiesconfirmPerry will visit the cityon Thursday to survey some of the most-heavily damaged areas.
State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, (D)El Paso,took an aerial tourofthe cityon Wednesday,and his findings mayprompt more monetary aid for the county and city governments.
But everything is still in the assessment phase, said El Paso Mayor John Cook. “There is a certain level of damage that has to happen, then the governor has to declare a state of emergency,” he said.
“The state, city and county have all done that and so have the rural judges,” Cook said.
Federal money will be a major factor for residents who are trying to recover their losses. Most homeowners in El Paso have not insured their property for flood damage, and the insurance policies they do have make no provisions for damage incurred by flooding.
City officials are asking residents to report damage to public property and to homes. Anyreport of damage to private property should be limited tothe buildingstructure, such as damage to foundation, electrical system or walls. The number to call: 541-4558.
