Austin Mayor Steve Adler declared a local state of disaster Thursday as the city continues to grapple with flood damage and a contaminated water system.
Weeks of extended rainfall have set off a damaging chain reaction in the Central Texas region.
The disaster declaration signed by the mayor on Thursday highlights the damage set off by the floods and says it will likely continue into the “foreseeable future” and requires emergency action.
Travis County and the State of Texas have also signed disaster declarations for the area.
In a tweet sent out Thursday, Adler said the declaration is necessary for help with reimbursement of damage and procurement of assistance.
Water quality and reserves are improving!
In the meantime, I’ve declared a local state of disaster https://t.co/RX2ZzpflMn necessary to help with reimbursement & procurement.
— Mayor Adler (@MayorAdler) October 25, 2018 Adler said signing the disaster declaration could help in getting federal funding, as well as allows the city to go out and immediately procure resources, such as water, by circumventing what is typically a lengthy procurement process.
The most important message, Adler said, is that the city needs to continue conserving water.
Should conservation efforts continue, Adler said he expected the city to lift the boil water notice by the “late weekend.” Read the full disaster declaration here.