Harrison County extends disaster declaration and accepts TCEQ approval for two debris sites

Harrison County Judge Chad Sims asked the commission on July 3 to extend the countys storm disaster declaration that followed a June 16 severe thunderstorm, saying the extension would allow cleanup and debris removal to continue. The court approved a 30-day extension unanimously.

Judge Sims also presented approvals the county received from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for two temporary debris-management sitesBuckshored Road pit number one and the Months Cutoff pitthat the county will use while clearing storm-damaged trees and vegetation. "When you have a debris site like this that you intend to burn you have to get a permit from TCEQ," Judge Sims said, noting TCEQ responded quickly and approved the sites the same day the county applied. The court accepted the approvals 4-0.

Road and Bridge director Mr. Davis reported ongoing cleanup operations and summer road work coordinated around debris removal. He said contractors have been priming and will begin chip sealing in the week of July 10 where weather and holiday schedules permit. The county is operating two disposal sites seven days a week to give residents a place to drop off tree debris; Davis noted FEMA must measure debris piles before some disposal or burning occurs so the county can document cubic yards for reimbursement.

The court approved related administrative items reported by Road and Bridge, including personnel hires and a utility application for a fiber install on County Road 1210, and increased the Road and Bridge petty cash from $100 to $300 to support onsite transactions; those routine items passed by unanimous votes.

The extension of the disaster declaration and the TCEQ permit acceptances do not themselves authorize any new procurement beyond existing cleanup activities; the county said it would continue coordinating with FEMA for debris measurement and reimbursement and with contractors on debris removal and road repairs.