By Taylor Tompkins.
Hays County Commissioners unanimously voted 3-0 Friday to extend the declaration of local disaster, which would have expired over the weekend if not reapproved.
The declaration will allow relief and recovery efforts for those affected by the historic Oct. 31 floods to continue. The flood was caused by rainfall that was moderate in some parts of the county and up to 17 inches in other places. About 86 homes incurred major damage in the county, with another 74 receiving minor damages.
Commissioners extended the declaration until it is rescinded by the court or it expires by law.
The original disaster declaration, which was signed by County Judge Bert Cobb on Nov. 4, is the first step of the process to acquire state and federal disaster aid. Under Texas Government Code, the declaration lasts seven days unless renewed by the county before that time.
The declaration is to help “alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property within Hays County” which was caused by the flood, according to the proclamation.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant were present for the voting. Cobb and Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones were absent from the meeting on county business, according to a release from the county.
