Jim Wells County adopts local state of disaster for drought, extends emergency measures

Jim Wells County Commissioners Court on July 10 adopted a local state of disaster because drought conditions continue to threaten public health, safety and water supply. The action authorizes use of county resources to respond and directs the county judge to take necessary actions under Texas Government Code Chapter 418.

The court first approved a 30-day extension of an earlier declaration and then rescinded a prior action to refile properly with the State Operations Center after staff explained that the previous filing exceeded a statutory 30-day window. The judge said the two declarations had already been approved by the state in substance and the court needed to correct filing procedures.

Court discussion noted coordination with nearby cities seeking grant funds to address water issues; staff cited a $21,000,000 grant for the city and a $10,000,000 grant for Orange Grove as part of broader mitigation and response efforts. The motion to adopt the drought declaration carried on voice vote.

Next steps: county staff will continue coordination with city partners on grant applications and maintain the disaster declaration until the court rescinds it as conditions warrant.