Representatives from the US Border Patrol, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross including Rafael Avalos, Regional Community Relations Manager, Texas A&M, DPS, county commissioners, including Maverick County Judge David Saucedo and Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English-Cantú were on hand to give details as well as contact information for the various agencies and organizations available to our residents.
"Thanks to all of our first responders for coming together to provide the security of our citizens," said Cantú.
Cantú added that there are several contacts for different problems occurring at this time such as that of donations which can be made to Becky Ballou at the Maverick County Food Pantry who he said has had a great magnitude of donations and will relocate to the Old Junior High on Del Rio Blvd. Donations can also be brought to Eagle Pass Junior High on Bibb. Cantu added that residents are eager to get back into their homes and should take pictures of the damages incurred in order to assist disaster relief declaration efforts.
"Specific information is also available at city hall at 773-1111."
"We had 17" of rain in north Eagle Pass, we know there are problems and we will try to alleviate those problems as we have 82 homes in Maverick County and 482 within city limits which add up to 564 homes and two businesses which have been affected and public health officials are assessing the health risks involved with people coming back to their homes," added Judge Saucedo, "A team will be here from the state to assess the damage as we have already applied for the approval from the state to declare Maverick County a disaster area."
In a press release distributed at the conference, the city says trash pick up will continue as normal, if you've lost your receptacle you can call Public Works at 773-9408, the Red Cross has cleaning kits available at Eagle Pass Junior High on Bibb Street; the city will begin brush pickup on Monday and they would like you to separate wood, bricks/rocks, metals, and hazardous materials; the municipal pool will re-open until Thursday for clean up; the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Camino Real have representatives at Eagle Pass Junior High; if you are one of the 100 homes still without power, you can call AEP at (877) 373-4858.
TxDoT is working on inspections of major byways in affected areas.
Southern Baptist Emergency Disaster Relief is working out of the First Baptist Church at 664 Monroe.
Wal-Mart and Lowe's have also been assisting in the relief efforts and various local restaurants also assisted with the relief efforts at the International Center for Trade and other shelters.
When asked what the level of the water which rose from the Rio Grande, Fire Chief Jesús Rodguez stated that it rose 17' 7" on Saturday. Chief Rodriguez was commended on his efforts and those of his staff who were instrumental in initial relief efforts to which he replied, "It's a team effort and I have a team of highly qualified individuals on my team."