A.D. Ibarra

-Eagle Pass

The local branch of Border Federal Credit Union is also doing their part to reach out to local residents adversely affected by the recent flooding in our area by setting up an account for monetary donations, yet the three-pronged approach they are taking is unique in itself as Ruben Lopez, Branch Manager and County Commissioner of Precinct 4, Roberto Ruiz were on hand to inform the public at a press conference held on Monday.

"BFCU has opted to create an account of its own and that account is #569490-05 and funds will be distributed directly to those affected," stated Ruiz, "They are also taking donations of backpacks, pillows, blankets, bleach, cereal, non-perishable can foods, general hygiene supplies, toilet paper, trash bags, sanitary napkins, pots and pans which can be accepted at the local branch at 2080 N. Veterans Blvd."

Another facet of this assistance is that of a special Special Flood Disaster Relief Loan with a 5.99% APR with the first payment due in 60 days and a term of up to 18 months.

Finally BFCU members can receive a deferment for up to two months of their consumer loan payment, but the member must reside in an area/zone affected by the flood.

For more information you can contact Mr. Lopez at 830-757-2328 or visit http://www.borderfcu.com.

CITY OF EAGLE PASS

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

...Update on Flood Situation…

The City of Eagle Pass Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to be active to manage the different assistance and recovery efforts on the flood situation occurred on June 15, 2013.

Clean-Up & Recovery

County and City crews continue with clean-up and debris removal operations of affected public ways.  Please abstain from travelling/visiting the affected areas in order to not affect these operations.

Assistance for Victims

The center for assistance for flood victims is located at the Eagle Pass Jr. High School (1750 N. Bibb Ave.).  This center houses different social assistance agencies.  Persons affected by the flood should register at this location for any existing or future assistance.  The center has registered 170 families and is estimating that over 300 families have not registered.  If you are a flood victim and have been visited/surveyed in your home, you are still required to register at this center for assistance.  For food necessities, please contact the Maverick County Food Pantry at 830-757-6424 during normal business hours.

The center for assistance will be opened as follows:

Friday, June 21 11am – 7pm Sunday, June 23 1pm – 6pm

Saturday, June 22 10am – 5pm Monday, June 24 11am – 7pm*Last day open!

Volunteers

The HELP Disaster Management organization is soliciting volunteers with different home construction skills (i.e. – electricians, carpenters, etc.) to render assistance to the flood victims.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mr. Tony Lamberth at 713-715-9005 or visit him at the center for assistance mentioned above.

Disposal of Waste

The County and City continue to run waste collection operations for flood victims and ask for your cooperation in separating waste as follows: Brush, Construction & Demolition, White Goods, Bulky Items, Electronics, and Hazardous Materials.  The Maverick County Landfill is located off El Indio Highway and is open for those persons who prefer to take their waste directly.  A fee of $0.02 per/lb. will be assessed.  There is no direct fee charged when waste is collected at your property.  Landfill hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 7am to 8pm; closed on Sundays.

Please stay tuned to our Government Channel 14 and the social media accounts (www.facebook.com/officialcityofeaglepasstexas, Twitter@cityofeaglepasstx) for updated information.

A.D. Ibarra

-Eagle Pass

You don't really have a sense of the damage which was sustained by the victims of flooding in and around the Elm Creek area until you see it first hand.

As you look all around the Dalia Street and Rosa Street area of the residential district, you can see the piles of debris which in most cases used to be the living room set which was the central location for all family gatherings, appliances which used to cook and preserve the family's food, as well as the furniture which used to hold their clothing and even their beds and mattresses are strewn outside their homes.

Literally everything inside these homes was left unusable and destroyed by flood waters flowing freely to the homes residents were kept out of for at least two days as rescue crews and first responders continued to try and sort out during the wake of the storm.

You look at families in various stages of clean-up and attempting to air out items they hope to be able to salvage as crews of state officials, electrical teams from AEP, volunteers and family members deal with the sweltering heat and humidity which makes relief efforts that much more difficult here as it seems as though summer has come one day early here on the outskirts of Maverick County.

Becky Ballou and Mission: Border Hope Board Members Peggy Stock and Nancy Johnson were on hand on Thursday to welcome Robin Miller, General Manager of the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino and Donald Spaulding of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas who made a $50,000.00 donation to relief efforts which will go directly to families directly affected by the torrential rains and flooding on Friday and Saturday.

"The tribe sees the damage and they are very empathetic about the plight of these people, they can't understand, but they want to help, so they're making a donation of $50,000.00 to Mission: Border Hope to help the people directly affected by these storms," stated Spaulding on behalf of the KTTT.

"I'm here with members of our Board of Directors and we know the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas are doing some wonderful things for their people," stated Ballou who was overwhelmed by the show of support exemplified by the KTTT on this day, "We've been working with many outreach groups, people who have come to our community, who swing hammers and man saws so we'll be able to buy materials and furniture for these people."

Peggy Stock added to Ballou's comments by thanking Miller and Spaulding for their generosity by saying, "We're so honored that you're trusting us to do this, but rest assured, these funds will definitely go to this great cause and to these people who so desperately need it at this time."