PORT ARTHUR: Good Morning! The past two weeks have been difficult for many of us. But to see so many people come together helping each other has kept me and staff working hard. I believe in our great city. And know that we will bounce back from this even greater than before.
SHELTER: #PortArthur has never had the capacity to shelter thousands of people within our city limits. But I felt we needed to keep our folks close to their home and property. After I got Congresswoman #SheilaJacksonLeeinvolved we were able to get #FEMA to designate Jefferson County for "Disaster Housing Assistance" late last night. With the confirmation email coming in at 5am this morning. Which will open our citizens to manufactured homes, travel trailers, etc.
And for our citizens in TJMS, Garland/Dallas, and evicted apartment tenants we have accommodations headed this way that will house 600 citizens on two floating barges. 3 meals a day, laundry and other amenities.
DEBRIS: We've had an emergency contractor in place before #Harvey. The contractor is here with 10 double trucks. With another 15 double trucks here by the weekend. I felt it still is not enough, so the contractor has agreed to hire our PA businesses that have the machines and insurance to help. Please inbox me the name of your company and what machines you have access to and I will forward you the contractors contacts. I also asked that while we clear the debris around our schools and firehouses, that we have a presence in every corner of the city. We are coming!
INSURANCE: FEMA has the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Plan) and they have agreed to back date and offer a grace period of 120 days. So if your policy was to renew July 24 through Sept. 27, 2017 they are allowing coverage if you go ahead and make your missed payment. Hope this helps some families.
We have a lot of folks hurting right now. Me, Council and staff are doing everything we can to make our people whole as much as possible. Many of us have lost everything. But we know if we work hard for our city and our inheritances our blessing will follow. When you see a city worker please give them a pat on the back or a thank you. Because they've really stepped up in spite of their own devastation to make sure we hold our property values and keep our citizens in PA. Love y'all!