09/06/2006 Volume 1, Issue 8 Contact Us        Homepage Current Articles   Homepage 09/06/2006 Major Issues Development & Infrastructure Transportation Quality of Life Upcoming Meetings/Events Newsletter Archive   Storm 2006 Hits El Paso Storm emergency response and relief efforts The entire community has seen over three weeks of an ongoing weather emergency event. Since Thursday, July 27, the City & County of El Paso received such a large amount of rain, which in some areas of the city, is close to double the average annual rainfall for the area. City, County, State and Federal agencies have mobilized to deploy all available assets and resources to assist the community in life and property protection, damage response and repair and an aggressive ongoing cleanup effort. This is going to be a long process, so expectations must be realistic! A preliminary damage assessment conducted by City staff is as follows: Public Infrastructure - $21 Million Private Property (residential & commercial)- $77 Million Flood control/landfill - $3.5 Million 1516 homes damaged in the City & County 766 homes minor damage 455 homes major damage 295 homes have been destroyed 53 commercial properties damaged 14 minor damage 24 major damage 15 destroyed Drainage facilities damaged 17 drainage channels 3 pump stations Roadways & streets damaged 100 damaged roadways Throughout the weather emergency over 10 shelters and 5 service centers were made available. The Salvation Army has also assisted the City, County & Ciudad Juarez with food, clothing, cleaning supplies and other necessities. Beginning August 8th, the Salvation Army began leading a major community service effort called Operation AYUDA. This is a collaborative effort by the Salvation Army, Red Cross & the Housing Authority. Operation AYUDA will assist those in need that have been affected by the storm with housing, clean up, financial & other community services. The City -County Health Department Vector Control continues to spray in all areas to control mosquito outbreaks. The Street Department as well as TXDoT have been working around the clock since Tuesday, August 1 to clean up and pump major flooded areas and will now begin to repair and reconstruct infrastructure damages. The El Paso Police and Fire Department, as well as all public safety agencies, were exceptional in their response to the weather emergency. Over 22,000 calls for storm response were received through 911 since July 30 and through the high-point of storm activity 1967 calls were responded to as public service responses The most significant day was Tuesday, Aug.1. 5376 calls were received on this day alone 477 were responded to as public service responses There were no reported deaths and only minor injuries, due to the storm FEMA Information A federal disaster declaration was signed Tuesday, August 15, 2006 by President George W. Bush for the affected flood areas in El Paso County. This provides that FEMA offer disaster aid in the form of individual assistance, public assistance and hazard mitigation planning to the people and communities that were recently affected by the flooding that began in our area July 31, 2006. Residents and business owners who have sustained losses within El Paso County due to the flooding may seek financial assistance from FEMA by registering on-line at www.fema.gov, by calling 1-800-621- FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for individuals that are hearing or speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. FEMA has opened local Disaster Recovery Centers in El Paso. It is recommended by FEMA that residents and business owners first register either on-line or by phone before going to the Disaster Recovery Centers. Locations are as follows: Fixed Location: 7500 Viscount (near the bus terminal) in El Paso from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., seven days a week until further notice Mobile Disaster Recovery Center: The Mobile DRC will be at the following locations from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Wednesday, September 6 thru Saturday, September 9 Vinton Fire Hall - one block from City Hall (510 E. Vinton) Additional Information from FEMA (www.fema.gov) What information do I need to provide FEMA to apply for assistance? FEMA Press Release What is Disaster Assistance? Is Disaster Help Available if I Have Insurance? Public Assistance Grant Program Hazard Mitigation Planning Upcoming City Meetings & Events: For a listing of City Meetings, City Council Meetings or community meetings. Read more.... To find out what City events are happening in a neighborhood near you, visit the City Events Calendar. Major Issues: El Paso Association of Realtors Help Storm 2006 Victims The El Paso Association of REALTORS® put together a Disaster Relief Task force, which has worked to raise money for the community affected by the recent weather disaster. Read more... Website Provides Information on Weather Emergency The Storm 2006 website offers the most current information on the weather emergency, from FEMA Information and clean-up tips to the availability of sandbags at your local fire stations. Read more... Disaster Aid Available to Workers In El Paso County Self-employed workers also may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance According to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), workers in El Paso County who were affected by flooding have until September 15, 2006, to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) under Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA-1658-DR. Find out what you need to do in order to determine your eligibility. Read more... Storm Property Damages Public advised to utilize professionals in repairs and refurbishing As the reconstruction of homes and businesses is now in effect to address the damages the recent Storm has left behind, the Development Services Department reminds the public that professional results can be obtained when using a contractor that is registered and bonded. Read more... Incident Period Closes for Storm Damage; Applications for Assistance Still Being Accepted by FEMA The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) closed at midnight Friday, August 25, 2006 the incident period for storm damage incurred during recent storms in El Paso County. Read more... Who Can Receive FEMA Assistance Non-citizens who suffered damages in recent storms in El Paso County may be eligible for assistance from a variety of sources. Read more... IRS Information: El Paso Flooding-Presidential Declared Disaster Area You may deduct the loss or partial loss of your home, household goods, and motor vehicles from damage on your individual federal income tax return. Find out how. Read more... Development & Infrastructure: Downtown Construction: CBD III Update Despite some recent delays due to weather conditions, the CBD III City initiative reconstructing major streets in the Downtown area still remains on schedule for overall completion. Read more... One-Stop-Shop Turns One! The month of September marks the one-year-anniversary of the consolidation of services forming the Development Services Department (DSD). On Friday, September 15, join the staff of the One-Stop-Shop as they celebrate their first year of providing service as a single operation on the fifth floor. Read more... Environmental Services Providing Special Collections for the Citizens of El Paso The Special Collections Division provides numerous services for the Collection of Bulky Waste, Property Clean ups, Illegal Dumping, Dead animal pick up, and Alley Clean up. Read more... Transportation: Sun Metro provides continual Performance Measure Reports The Sun Metro Mass Transit Department has been providing frequent performance measure reports to the community at the Mass Transit Board Meetings, the most recent outlining the Department's progress through the first weeks of August. Read more... Quality of Life: Appointment of CVB Executives to State Boards Will Benefit El Paso Two key board appointments, which were made official this month, put two of El Paso's experienced tourism connaisseurs into key roles on tourism boards in the state. Read more... Kids go crazy over Daisy The El Paso Public Library welcomes the Jane Simmons' book character Daisy the Duck to several of its branches during September for reading programs the whole family will enjoy. Read more... Parks and Recreation News Learn more about different initiatives and services offered by and involving the Parks and Recreation department. Read more... City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs and Economic Development Departments Announce Creative Cities Leadership Project Members Thirty applicants have been selected for the Creative Cities Leadership Project (CCLP) 2006-2007. The twelve-month project, under the guidance of world-renowned economist Dr. Richard Florida, will utilize those applicants selected as creative change agents that will develop positive initiatives that lead to the growth of the creative sector and the enhancement of the economic vitality of the city of El Paso. Read more... Get Your Library Card Today! What's the smartest card in your wallet? It's a library card! The El Paso Public Library would like to remind parents, students and teachers that the most important school supply of all is available only at your library. Read more... Get Walking! On the Homestretch of Healthy Hearts With Parks There are only a few walks left in the schedule of the Healthy Hearts with Parks community initiative. Read more... Print Version Newsletter produced by the City Communications & Public Affairs Office. If you would like to subscribe to receive the Community Newsletter, send an email to communitynewsletter@elpasotexas.gov, with your name and email address.

| Disclaimer | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Security Policy | Link Policy | | Tools | Contact Us | Directions to City Hall | Employees | © City of El Paso | Webmail |

>