Reprint from the Progress Times - May 23, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

County responds to Alton storm damage

 

After 86 mile per hour winds ripped through parts of Alton destroying 25 homes and sending 13 residents to local hospitals for minor injuries last week, Hidalgo County officials are working to assist the area.

County Judge J.D. Salinas has signed a local disaster declaration and the county is in the process of preparing a disaster summary outline (DSO) listing the damage based on a local assessment. Once the DSO is complete, the declaration and DSA will be sent to the governor asking for recovery assistance. State and non-profit agencies, including the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, have already been mobilized to offer Alton residents temporary relief.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa offered the county his full support in seeking assistance from the governor.

"I have been in contact with Hidalgo County leaders and we are ready to assist in any manner possible to make sure Alton residents receive the help they need at this time," said Hinojosa.