County disaster declaration extended

The initial Declaration of Local Disaster to Severe Weather and Prolonged Flooding order, which was initiated by Judge Mandy Gfeller on June 5, has been extended by the commissioners court and went into effect on June 12.

Judge Mandy Gfeller initially declared a county disaster on June 5 following several days of severe weather and heavy rain. Castro County received up to 8 inches of rainfall on May 26 and 27, followed by an additional 4.5 inches causing flooding in many areas of the county. The flooding caused damage to county roadways washing out roads and culverts, exposing underground lines, and creating additional cost to the county in roadways and bridges.

Additionally, landowners had to pump water and relocate livestock, resulting in costs for pumps and leasing of other lots.

“Without the declaration, those impacted by the flooding are ineligible for potential funding from the state,” said Gfeller. “ To be included in any funding from a disaster, the county or municipality must first issue that disaster declaration.”

The declaration of such disasters activates the County emergency management plan and authorizes the imposition of controls on activities which increase the likelihood of injury to the public and once such controls are implemented, may help in protecting lives and property by mitigating the threat.

The initial disaster declaration was set to automatically expire in 10 days but will be extended until the court rescinds the order.