A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
Local leaders convened at the new JAC (Joint Assistance Center) at Eagle Pass Junior High which will now serve as the headquarters for all people seeking assistance from state and federal programs in the wake of flooding which overcame an large area of our community last weekend.
"We want to thank the members of the media who have been a very important part of this process," stated Maverick County Judge David Saucedo before a large crowd of mass media at the secondary school, "we will now be here in a centralized location to facilitate flood relief victims access to aid and for more information relating to these services, Mayor Cantú will address you."
"We are now in transition and we are centralizing ourselves in order to better monitor the distribution of aid and assistance for resources to be given to those that need it," added the city leader, "We'd like to thank all of the outreach agencies who have come to our assistance. In terms of housing for these victims, the Eagle Pass Housing Authority will be assessing the needs of people who have already applied for Section A housing, and may even move you up on the waiting list if you live in affected areas."
Forms can be filled out at EPJ and the Southern Baptist Mud-Out Crews, CASSE is also here to fill out applications and the county commissioners from affected areas are passing out cleaning kits to home who are in need. TDHCA has funding for appliances and mattresses, but you need to come by to apply.
St. Vincent De Paul has come to provide assistance and are taking applications as well and will distribute gift cards to those in need.
The city and county continue picking up debris, but residents are asked to separate the debris, by wood and even dead animals which need to be taken to their proper disposal place to assist Public Works and the MC Road & Bridge Department.
Judge Saucedo added that The Church of Latter Day Saints has been graciously donating their time and efforts which include the distribution of hygiene kits and bottled water.
He said there was talk of residents not getting their kits and other stories of abuse which he said should diminish with now that the aid station has been centralized.
"We've been working with outside communitites such as Val Verde County, Kinney, Dimmit and Zavala who have sent assistance to aid in clean-up efforts and we really appreciate their initiative."
An account is being set up at First National Bank under the name Mission Border Hope and Mayor Cantú stated that it would be under Eagle Pass/Maverick County Disaster Relief Fund where monetary donations can be made.
Sheriff Tom Schmerber was asked if curfews were still in effect to which he responded, "Curfews are from 7:00-10:00 PM. Do not go to see the disaster site, this is causing problems. Sheriff Boyd from Dimmitt County has sent deputies to assist us in surveillance to deter looting in these areas and in areas such as Las Quintas. If anyone sees anything out of the ordinary, please let us know at 773-2321."
"There was looting on the second day, so if you don't belong there, stay away."
Sheriff Schmerber, Chief Deputy Rick Fuentes and their staff were very instrumental in rescue efforts on Saturday morning and are to be commended along with all other agencies who assisted such as the EPISD, the US Border Patrol, Regional Emergency Operations, Texas Parks and Wildlife, EPFD, plus the many volunteers who may not yet be known, but whose exploits will soon come to light as there was no loss of life in this incredible disaster.