Regional Critical Assets Inventory - Preparation for Grant Requests
H-GAC is preparing a regional critical assets inventory including roadways, ports, schools, hospitals, industrial facilities, pipelines, electrical transmission, aerial imagery and other infrastructure information. This GIS based inventory is intended to help local governments assess economic and infrastructure impacts for recovery efforts and grant requests. Contact Chuck Wemple at Chuck.Wemple@h-gac.com or (713) 993-4514 for details on obtaining the inventory.
Aerial Imagery and GIS Data
H-GAC has pre-Ike aerial imagery for much of the region as well as post-Ike imagery recently flown by federal agencies for coastal portions of the region. STAR*Map, H-GAC's 13 county regional road GIS network is available to local, state or federal agencies for post-Ike recovery work. For general GIS base map, boundary, and reference data, visit the H-GAC website: http://www.h-gac.com/rds/gis/clearinghouse/default.aspx
For a complete list of Ike-related GIS Data please click here.
For Imagery and STAR*Map related data, please contact Robert LaBarbera at (713) 993-4519 or by e-mail: Robert.LaBarbera@h-gac.com
For Critical Infrastructure, Socio-Economic, Transportation, Hurricane Ike Damage Assessments, and Other GIS data layers please contact Bill Bass at (713) 499-6687 or by e-mail: William.Bass@h-gac.com
Debris Removal Services
H-GAC has procured and qualified national contractors for debris removal. The master contracts and process used by H-GAC are designed to help communities qualify for FEMA reimbursement. Contact Cheryl Mergo at: Cheryl.Mergo@h-gac.com or at (713) 993-4520 for details on how to get pricing and use these services. See more details...
TCEQ Storm Debris Guidance Materials
The TCEQ has developed a Storm Debris Guidance Manual. Download this PDF for clear guidance on options for managing and disposing debris from Hurricane Ike. For additional information on Hurricane Ike relief efforts ongoing within the TCEQ, please go to: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/response/hurricane.html
Cooperative Purchasing
H-GAC's Cooperative Purchasing Program has a broad array of equipment and services available that are useful for disaster recovery. This includes professional services by firms experienced in disaster recovery and dealing with FEMA. Go to http://www.hgacbuy.org
TCEQ Waiver Requests for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Facilities
In an effort to expedite responses to requests for enforcement discretion or authorization to operate outside of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at municipal waste facilities, the TCEQ requests that you follow the procedure as outlined in the MSW Waiver Requests document (PDF, 9K).
Water Well and Septic System Guidance from the US Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA has provided guidance on how to treat septic systems and water wells in the aftermath of hurricane Ike: Septic System Information (PDF) 14K
Water Well Precautions (PDF) 10K
To learn more about Hurricane Ike activities, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/hurricane
NRCS Offers Assistance for Livestock Carcass Disposal Following Hurricane Ike
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is coordinating livestock carcass disposal efforts following Hurricane Ike. NRCS is offering financial assistance to offset the cost of disposal and identifying appropriate burial sites based on soil type. For application forms and livestock disposal specifications, contact the NRCS office in Bryan at (979) 846-0757 ext. 3 or visit the NRCS Texas website at: www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/ike_assist.html
Carcass Disposal (PDF) 6K
Operation Blue Roof
The US Army Corps of Engineers provides a free temporary roof to residential structures through its Blue Roof Program. Citizens need to show up at sites set up across the city to sign up for the program. More information about the Blue Roof Program is available by calling 1-888-ROOFBLUE (a recording). You can download the flyer here.
Texas Forest Service Response and Recovery Assistance
Uprooted and broken trees can cause loss of life, damage property, and disrupt electrical and phone service. Homeowners often ask what can be done to save damaged shade and ornamental trees. Click here to get tree recovery information from the Texas Forest Service.
Workforce Solutions Offices
Most of H-GAC's Workforce Solutions Offices are open. In addition to helping persons find work those unemployed due to Ike can receive help in applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at those offices. For more information about disaster employment related services go to: http://www.wrksolutions.com/
National Emergency Grant
In response to Hurricane Ike, H-GAC will apply for a National Emergency Grant (NEG) from the U. S. Department of Labor. Its purpose is temporary job creation for clean-up, restoration, and humanitarian assistance to communities affected by Ike. Temporary disaster jobs are limited to public and private non-profit agencies. Employees hired under the NEG are eligible only if they are unemployed due to Hurricane Ike. Counties or cities interested in participating as an employer under the National Emergency Grant should contact H-GAC employees Rodney Bradshaw or Mike Temple at (713) 627-3200.
Ike Related Layoffs
To report temporary layoffs due to Hurricane Ike, please call the Texas Workforce Commission at 1-866-367-1332 or e-mail hurricaneike@twc.state.tx.us
TWC representatives on this special employer hotline will expedite unemployment claims for you and your employees. Disaster-related unemployment benefits are available to the self-employed.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The Small Business Act provides necessary working capital until normal operations resume after a physical disaster. The law restricts economic injury disaster loans to small businesses only. For additional information, contact Disaster Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20416, or call 1-800-659-2955. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 59.008.
Physical Disaster Loans (Disaster Relief)
The Small Business Act is a primary source of funding for permanent rebuilding and replacement of uninsured or underinsured disaster damages to privately-owned real and/or personal property. SBA’s physical disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations. For additional information, contact Disaster Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20416, 1-800-659-2955. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 59.008.
Small Business Financial Assistance Loans
The Small Business Act provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses including 7(a), 504 and disaster assistance loans. Contact the Loan Programs Division, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20416 or call 1-800-659-2955 or contact the regional office at (713) 773-6500. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 59.012.
Tax Relief
Businesses damaged by Hurricane Ike may postpone paying state taxes, if necessary, while they clean up wind and flood damage. Upon request, taxpayers may be granted an extension of up to 90 days to file state tax returns due in September and October. To request a tax extension, contact the Comptroller’s office at 1-800-252-5555 or send an e-mail to: tax.help@cpa.state.tx.us
Extension requests may be made at any time up to 90 days after the original due date.
Emergency Loans (Disaster Relief)
The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act provides loans to repair, restore, or replace damaged or destroyed farm property (real and chattel) and supplies lost or damaged as a direct result of a natural disaster. For additional information, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) regional Farm Service Agency or call (979) 680-5150. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 10.404.
Emergency Conservation Program (Disaster Relief)
The Agricultural Credit Act provides funds to help farmers perform emergency conservation measures to control wind erosion; rehabilitate farmlands damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters; and carry out emergency water conservation or water-enhancing measures during periods of severe drought. For additional information, contact the USDA’s regional Farm Service Agency or call (979) 680-5150. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 10.054.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance (Disaster Relief)
The Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act provides funds for crop loss assistance. Producers of commercial crops and other agricultural commodities for which the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available are eligible for these direct payments with unrestricted use. For additional information, contact the USDA’s regional Farm Service Agency or call (979) 680-5150. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 10.451.
Disaster Reserve Assistance (Disaster Relief)
The Agricultural Act provides eligible livestock owners who have losses due to natural disasters with direct payments for specific uses. For additional information, contact the USDA’s regional Farm Service Agency, or call (979) 680-5150. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 10.452.
Farm Operating Loans
The Farm and Rural Development Act provides loans to purchase livestock, poultry, fur-bearing and other farm animals, fish and bees; purchase farm equipment; provide operating expenses for farm enterprises; meet family subsistence needs and purchase essential home equipment; refinance secured and unsecured debts, subject to certain restrictions; pay property taxes; pay insurance premiums on real estate and personal property; and finance youth projects. Operators of family farms are eligible for these direct loans. For additional information, contact the USDA’s regional Farm Service Agency or call (979) 680-5150. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 10.406.
Farm Storage Facility Loans
Federal law provides for loans to finance the purchase and construction of new storage structures, handling equipment and drying equipment, and to finance the remodeling of existing storage structures. For additional information, contact the USDA’s regional Farm Service Agency or call (979) 680-5150. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 10.056.
Farm Ownership Loans
The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act provides loans to enlarge, improve and purchase family farms; provide necessary water and water facilities; provide basic soil treatment and land conservation measures; construct, repair and improve essential buildings needed to operate a family farm; construct or repair farm dwellings; and provide facilities to produce fish under controlled conditions. For additional information, contact the USDA’s regional Farm Service Agency or call (979) 680-5150. More information is available in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under program number 10.407. Information on home water treatment units is available from EPA by phone 1-800-426-4791 or the U.S. EPA's hurricane website: http://www.epa.gov/region6/disaster/pdf/private_wells.pdf