In a year marked by some of the worst drought conditions and wildfire devastation in Texas history, our farmers and ranchers need all the help they can get. Recently, I asked Gov. Rick Perry to direct the Texas Department of Transportation to waive certain restrictions for the transport of hay. Last week, Gov. Perry granted the waiver, which expires at midnight, August 4, with the possibility of a forthcoming extension if he renews the state’s disaster proclamation on the day of the deadline.
The waiver — which has been enacted numerous times in the past — makes it possible to facilitate the transport of large bails of hay to ranchers who are desperately trying to feed their herds. Recognizing that we are in a crisis situation, TxDoT has temporarily suspended permitting requirements, legal height restrictions for round hay bales, and associated permit fees for carriers of hay. Obviously, public safety remains a priority, which is why all other legal requirements, including licensing, registration, insurance and safety precautions are closely monitored for compliance. Alternate routing also is considered.
Emergency situations call for action and cooperation, and thankfully, Texas is known for both when the going gets tough. This most recent hay-transport waiver is more than a good idea: It’s critical to the preservation of our food supply.
For more information regarding waiver criteria and expedited routing, please contact the Texas Department of Transportation’s Motor Carrier Division at (512) 465-3592.
Showing posts with label Texas wildfires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas wildfires. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Stand Strong for Texas
I recently partnered with the Texas Forest Service to produce a Public Service Announcement on the importance of preventing wildfires. We all must be vigilant in protecting Texas from disastrous wildfires.
Check out the PSA on YouTube.
Check out the PSA on YouTube.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Thankful for Major Disaster Declaration
Yesterday the President approved a portion of Texas’ request for a major disaster declaration. The President's declaration will ensure 45 counties in Texas will now receive the major disaster assistance we have been calling for since these record wildfires blazed through the Lone Star State, and we are thankful.
This season’s catastrophic wildfires have become among the worst on record, with more than 3.2 million acres scorched in Texas. This declaration was extended to only a portion of Texas’ request. We stand by Governor Perry's efforts to ensure impacted counties receive the major disaster declaration they desperately need and deserve.
Our prayers are with the Texas families who are beginning the long road to recovery and the firefighters who have been battling the infernos.
This season’s catastrophic wildfires have become among the worst on record, with more than 3.2 million acres scorched in Texas. This declaration was extended to only a portion of Texas’ request. We stand by Governor Perry's efforts to ensure impacted counties receive the major disaster declaration they desperately need and deserve.
Our prayers are with the Texas families who are beginning the long road to recovery and the firefighters who have been battling the infernos.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Let’s Help Our Firefighters
When wildfires cause us to evacuate and move to safety, our volunteer firefighters answer the call to protect our lives and property. Now is the time for us to return the favor and assist our dedicated first responders. Today I joined members of the legislature to announce the Texas Firefighters Relief Fund.
This new fund will help properly equip our brave volunteer firefighters as they battle some of the worst wildfires to ever ravage Texas. We need to give back to those who put their lives on the line to shield us from harm. Helping our volunteer firefighters is critically important right now because the federal government has refused to grant our state a Major Disaster Declaration. You can see a portion of the press conference below and click here to make a donation.
This new fund will help properly equip our brave volunteer firefighters as they battle some of the worst wildfires to ever ravage Texas. We need to give back to those who put their lives on the line to shield us from harm. Helping our volunteer firefighters is critically important right now because the federal government has refused to grant our state a Major Disaster Declaration. You can see a portion of the press conference below and click here to make a donation.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Drought on the Heels of Wildfires Adds to Texas Losses
While Texas wildfires have made for gloomy headlines this year, they tell only part of the grim story facing our state. With 2.6 million acres impacted by fires since November, we now also are looking at the dire possibility of record-breaking, single-year losses due to drought. According to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service report highlighted in this AP story, agricultural losses in Texas this year already total $1.5 billion. As the story mentions, if dry conditions persist into summer, we could surpass the 2006 record of $4.1 billion in losses. To read the full story, click here.
Monday, May 9, 2011
As Wildfire Losses Top $20M, FEMA Denies Assistance to Help Texans Recover
As Texas wildfires continue destroying the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers and neighboring citizens – and jeopardizing the food supply of every Texan and American alike – the costs of recovery are mounting. But instead of helping to the extent we need, Washington is pouring proverbial fuel on the flames.
According to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas wildfires in April caused approximately $20.4 million in damages and counting. While most people are quick to imagine homes, barns and farmland among the losses, other equally devastating damages come in the form of destroyed fencing, dead livestock and the complete loss of current and future grazing acreage.
As the AgriLife Extension Service points out, fencing is one of the most critical and costly agricultural expenses, averaging about $10,000 per mile to build, with the cost increasing depending on the terrain. With approximately 1,200 miles of fencing destroyed, the math gets downright daunting.
To date, the AgriLife Extension Service says more than 2 million acres have burned in Texas and more than 500 cattle, horses and sheep have been killed. Add the losses of structures, farm equipment and other supplies, and then multiply it by the damage and deaths that are not yet tallied, and you get a pretty grim picture of the road ahead.
Yet, FEMA recently formally refused to declare this devastation a major disaster, which now means Texans who have suffered these losses will not receive some of the federal assistance they severely need right now although they have willingly paid for it with their tax dollars when disaster struck other regions of the country. It’s important to remember if these families are not able to recover, and indeed go out of business, the daily food and fiber needs of every Texan and American stand to be jeopardized.
Our citizens send their hard-earned money to the federal government to fund agencies like FEMA that are responsible for helping Americans recover from disasters. Now, when we need it most, FEMA denies its full assistance. It is unconscionable our federal government would reject a plea from hard-working citizens in their most desperate time of need.
Let’s help our farmers and ranchers rebuild so they can continue to provide for our families and theirs. Please donate to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, or STAR Fund, by visiting www.TexasAgriculture.gov/starfund.
According to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas wildfires in April caused approximately $20.4 million in damages and counting. While most people are quick to imagine homes, barns and farmland among the losses, other equally devastating damages come in the form of destroyed fencing, dead livestock and the complete loss of current and future grazing acreage.
As the AgriLife Extension Service points out, fencing is one of the most critical and costly agricultural expenses, averaging about $10,000 per mile to build, with the cost increasing depending on the terrain. With approximately 1,200 miles of fencing destroyed, the math gets downright daunting.
To date, the AgriLife Extension Service says more than 2 million acres have burned in Texas and more than 500 cattle, horses and sheep have been killed. Add the losses of structures, farm equipment and other supplies, and then multiply it by the damage and deaths that are not yet tallied, and you get a pretty grim picture of the road ahead.
Yet, FEMA recently formally refused to declare this devastation a major disaster, which now means Texans who have suffered these losses will not receive some of the federal assistance they severely need right now although they have willingly paid for it with their tax dollars when disaster struck other regions of the country. It’s important to remember if these families are not able to recover, and indeed go out of business, the daily food and fiber needs of every Texan and American stand to be jeopardized.
Our citizens send their hard-earned money to the federal government to fund agencies like FEMA that are responsible for helping Americans recover from disasters. Now, when we need it most, FEMA denies its full assistance. It is unconscionable our federal government would reject a plea from hard-working citizens in their most desperate time of need.
Let’s help our farmers and ranchers rebuild so they can continue to provide for our families and theirs. Please donate to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, or STAR Fund, by visiting www.TexasAgriculture.gov/starfund.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Help Your Fellow Texans
High winds and hot temperatures have fueled 183 fires across the state in the past seven days, displacing more than 100 Texas families and scorching more than 400,000 acres. Since January, nearly 1 million acres have burned across the Lone Star State, according to the Texas Forest Service.
These raging wildfires are catastrophic in nature, destroying homes, killing livestock and devastating the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers who dedicate their lives to supplying us with food, clothing and other essential daily needs. As these fires sweep through rural Texas, fences are dismantled and cattle and other livestock are left to roam. Today, I saw that devastation firsthand through an aerial and ground tour of the area.
And now I’m asking all Texans to help me help our fellow Texans by making a donation to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, or STAR Fund. I created this fund to collect monetary contributions from private individuals and entities to assist farmers and ranchers in responding to and recovering from an emergency. The STAR Fund may be used to rebuild fences, restore operations and pay for other agricultural relief efforts.
We are Texans, and when disaster strikes, our citizens rise to meet the challenge. I ask all Texans who have the means to assist their neighbors in need to please come forward and show their support. To make a monetary donation to the STAR Fund, visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov and click on STAR Fund under Most Popular Links.
Monday, March 7, 2011
More Wildfires Predicted for West Texas
A little more than a week after wildfires ravaged West Texas a new word of caution again goes out to our friends in that area who will be under severe wildfire weather conditions beginning at noon on Tuesday. According to the Texas Forest Service, a combination of low humidity, high temperatures and high winds will increase the threat of danger to such a severe degree that wildfires could burn the length of a football field in one minute.
Texas already has faced the perils of wildfire this year as crews have responded to 287 fires burning nearly 195,000 acres. To date, nearly 282 structures have been lost, while 8,200 have been saved. On Feb. 27, more than 850 homes were evacuated in West Texas. The losses have been heavy for those impacted, but the destruction was comparatively minimal thanks to the readiness and response of our state and citizens.
With dangerous conditions ahead, residents should avoid outdoor activities that could generate a spark or open flames, and be ready to evacuate if needed. Residents are also advised to clear combustibles away from their homes.
For updates on the current wildfire situation, click here.
Texas already has faced the perils of wildfire this year as crews have responded to 287 fires burning nearly 195,000 acres. To date, nearly 282 structures have been lost, while 8,200 have been saved. On Feb. 27, more than 850 homes were evacuated in West Texas. The losses have been heavy for those impacted, but the destruction was comparatively minimal thanks to the readiness and response of our state and citizens.
With dangerous conditions ahead, residents should avoid outdoor activities that could generate a spark or open flames, and be ready to evacuate if needed. Residents are also advised to clear combustibles away from their homes.
For updates on the current wildfire situation, click here.
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