Martin Meets With With State, Federal Leaders On Harvey Recovery

HOUSTON, TX — Houston City Council Member Dave Martin was one of several local leaders who met recently with federal and state officials to discuss the continued recovery efforts in the Lake Houston area fro the effects of Hurricane Harvey.

Martin attended a follow up meeting on Oct. 11 with several regulatory agencies including the Texas Department of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with staff from Texas Governor Greg Abbott's office and the City of Houston.

The City of Houston is asking FEMA to give the Army Corps of Engineers an emergency directive to move the siltation caused by Hurricane Harvey in the mouth bar areas, piggybacking on the original State of Texas Assistance Request.

Martin said that while this is not officially approved by regulatory agencies, a favorable reaction to add this on to the original request was received.

However, there are still major hurdles to overcome such as identifying and permitting a disposal site, and following the necessary processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Martin said the additional work would be completed under an emergency request through the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

"All parties involved are ready to make this work," he said in a statement. "As discussed at the Kingwood Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9, this project could not happen without the continuing efforts of TDEM, in particular Chief W. Nim Kidd, Governor Abbott's Chief Operating Officer, Reed Clay, City of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Chief Resiliency Officer, Stephen Costello, and Chief Recovery Officer, Marvin Odum."

Martin encouraged residents to send their thanks to these key officials who have been monumental in assisting District E.

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Image: Dave Martin, City of Houston

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