Governor Abbott Praises Debris Removal Efforts By TxDOT
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that TxDOT has removed approximately 432,000 cubic feet (8 football fields) of debris from city and county roadways in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. TxDOT’s participation is in addition to efforts underway at the local level to remove debris from communities as quickly as possible. Debris removal continues to be a top priority for the Governor, and he has committed any available state resources to localities to assist in this effort.
“Removing debris from the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey continues to be a top priority for the state,” said Governor Abbott. “TxDOT’s efforts are having a meaningful impact and are helping Texans get back to normalcy as quickly as possible. I am grateful for all the state employees who are working to assist in the recovery efforts, and I will continue to make all state resources available to aid in the ongoing recovery efforts across the Gulf Coast.”
Currently, about 400 employees from 21 of TxDOT’s 25 districts are involved in debris removal from city and county roads in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
“Given the magnitude of this historic storm and notwithstanding repairs underway in isolated areas, our highway system is in remarkably good shape,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “I am so proud of how TxDOT employees – some dealing with their own personal losses – stepped up and continue to provide relief to those affected by the storm’s power.”
In the Houston district, crews are removing debris throughout the six county areas and supporting roadside debris removal in Harris and Montgomery counties. About 160 TxDOT employees from outside Houston are part of that effort. In the Corpus Christi area, crews are picking up and removing debris primarily in Rockport and surrounding areas of Aransas County. About 200 TxDOT employees are actively involved in efforts there. Debris removal is also underway in the towns of Seadrift, Bay City and Palacios, located within TxDOT’s Yoakum district.