Callout: Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
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Quote of the Day
“Please, please, please… Residents impacted in those zip codes – 78641, 78611 in Travis County – if you had any impacts, apply. Many times other agencies that are seeking to assist you will ask if you applied for FEMA, whether you got assistance or not.”
— County Executive Chuck Brotherton, from As flood relief deadlines loom, Travis County response focuses on application assistance
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As flood relief deadlines loom, Travis County response focuses on application assistance
From Lina Fisher:
Since the July flood disaster, Travis County has been coordinating relief efforts at Round Mountain Baptist Church. But as the summer nears its end, relief may be running out for flood survivors seeking financial assistance. The county may soon consider raising property taxes one time to assist with that relief, which some residents impacted by the floods would be exempt from.
The county has so far removed around 107,000 yards of debris from the right-of-way and private property around Sandy Creek. However, there is some jurisdictional confusion regarding debris collection: Some of that private property on the bank of the water extends into the water, like a dock that has come loose where Sandy Creek flows into Lake Travis. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), which controls Lake Travis, has refused to pick it up, said Commissioner Ann Howard, “so we’re in a quagmire as to who is going to pick up dangerous things like that.” Staff indicated that they will ask the Texas Division of Emergency Management to ask LCRA to handle it.
On the other side of flood recovery, there are the people whose homes were destroyed that are now having to navigate a quagmire of insurance claims. At Round Mountain Baptist Church, the county is coordinating help with that process by doing outreach with Austin Disaster Relief Network, Samaritan’s Purse, and other aid organizations “trying to get the message out,” said Sean Snyder, Travis County floodplain manager. “I think we’re starting to see more uptick, because I think people are starting to get the responses from signing up with FEMA for individual assistance. But we’re still a little low on people coming and talking to us.”
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Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
Join Austin Parks Foundation for the 11th Annual Party for the Parks, featuring Passion Pit! This beloved event is happening under the lights at ACL in Zilker Park on Wednesday, October 8th.
Partygoers will enjoy delicious dining options, libations from Austin’s premiere beverage brands, games, a live auction and an intimate concert—all while helping raise funds for our city’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces. Click here to get your tickets and join the fun!
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Take the ‘carpool challenge’
Movability and the Downtown Austin Alliance are teaming up to host a Carpool Week Challenge next week, with participants eligible to win a $100 HEB or Amazon gift card.
The challenge, which seeks to promote carpooling as a community-based action to reduce traffic in a cost-effective and sustainable way, will take place from Aug. 24-30. Each qualifying carpool trip earns an entry into the gift-certificate drawing.
To participate, visit movabilitytx.org/carpool-week to download an app, join a carpool group and complete as many carpool trips as you can.
City looks to invest more in green infrastructure
The city of Austin continues to advance its green goals with a new City Council item that could invest $7.4 million to expand its electric vehicle infrastructure. The city has pledged to transisition its fleet to zero-emission vehicles and, to support that goal, the contract on the August 28 agenda would expand city and public charging stations powered by Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program energy.
“Investing in this infrastructure is a critical step toward our 2040 net-zero goal,” said Council Member Ryan Alter in a statement to the press. “This ensures our electric fleet has the infrastructure to be reliable and efficient, cuts emissions, and supports equitable access to clean energy across the city.”
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Elsewhere in the News
The Texas Tribune reports that Congressman Lloyd Doggett will step aside if the redistricting map holds.
After mere months at City Hall, Eddie García is headed back north to serve as the Ft. Worth police chief. ($$)
Austin Business Journal dives into the storied history of Casino El Camino.
The Austin Chronicle dissects this year’s “abnormal” city budget
And The Texas Newsroom explains how $40 million is on the way for flood victims.
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