By Rita Cook
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
AUSTIN – Due to the flooding that took place in the Guadalupe Valley on July 4 and the lack of preparedness, the legislature’s upcoming special session will be addressing the topic.
Both the Senate and the Texas House have created select committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding in anticipation of the governor’s special session.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows created the Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, which will meet jointly, to discuss flood warning systems, flood emergency communications, relief funding for Hill Country floods, and natural disaster preparation & recovery.
Kaufman County resident Andrea Potter said, “I think it already should have been done. People receive warnings on their phone all the time and they don’t always pay attention. When the sirens go off that is when people pay attention, especially in the middle of the night. In this case sirens should have been in this flood zone long ago.”
The first committee hearing will be held at the Capitol on July 23. Both committees will meet jointly during the hearings.
The second hearing still with no date announced, will be held sometime the following week in Kerrville. The idea of holding the second hearing at this location was in order for residents to have the chance to speak on the subject.
“The creation of both the House and Senate’s Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding is just the beginning of the Legislature looking at every aspect of this tragic event,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas. In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers. I look forward to working with Speaker Burrows on these critical issues.”
Both Patrick and Burrows will be appointing nine members to their chambers’ select committee.
“Our hearts are with the families across Texas who lost loved ones or saw their homes and livelihoods swept away in the recent, catastrophic floods. In the face of such devastation, Texans deserve swift, united action,” said Speaker Dustin Burrows. “I’m grateful to Lt. Gov. Patrick and the Senate for partnering with the House in this effort, ensuring both chambers move in lockstep from day one of the special session. With only 30 days to act, we must make every moment count. This effort is about moving quickly to help Texans recover and laying the foundation to better protect our communities—and our children—from future disasters.”
The joint committees are hoping to address the needs and resources that need to be implemented in order to avoid future devastating impacts along Texas’ rivers in the future.
A press release from Patrick’s office also indicated if no appropriate solutions emerged the House and Senate “are committed to bringing them to the forefront to advocate for their ultimate passage.”
Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.
