Parker County allocates $4 million for tornado disaster recovery
Parker County commissioners voted Monday to allocate $4 million to help residents recover from the devastation wreaked by recent tornadoes.
County Judge Pat Deen issued a disaster declaration on April 30. The $4 million will be used toward debris removal, which includes collapsed structures and damaged roofing materials.
While the damage in Parker County has met the threshold for federal disaster assistance, damage across the state has not met the threshold, according to Parker County emergency management coordinator Jason Lane. Lane added that he is looking at every cost that can be directed toward the state threshold, but in lieu of meeting that goal, the county has to take the reins on funding the disaster recovery.
“Ultimately, what it boils down to is that all disasters are local, and we’re the ones at the local level this time,” Lane said. “So, it’s going to be on Parker County to help with this, to cover this, as best we can. And as you all know, there’s limited resources, so we’re going to have to do the best we can. So, there’s no calvary coming in to save the day.”
Lane told commissioners there is a high chance county residents will be able to receive low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration to help repair damaged homes and businesses.
“When the state could not step up in this specific area, the Parker County Commissioners Court led the way,” County Judge Pat Deen said in a news release. “Our priority is our residents. By moving these funds today, we are ensuring that the recovery process begins immediately and that our community has the resources necessary to overcome this destruction.”
