The Commissioners Court held a workshop Tuesday to hear from Wendorf, Beward, & Partners about applying for federal grants to assist with recovery from Harvey. Drew Cameron and Nancy Beward gave a power point presentation giving recommendations how Orange County should proceed to get its fair share of over five billion dollars in federal funds that are being made available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Of the 16 counties identified by FEMA as receiving damage from Harvey, Orange County was listed as having the third most severe damage behind only Harris and Jefferson counties. The Commissioners gave the impression more workshops will be called to prepare the application to receive the maximum funds due the county.
The Commissioners Court awarded the contract Tuesday to Skeeter Products for a maritime patrol boat for the Sheriff’s Office. The purchase of the boat will be partly covered by a grant applied for by the Sheriff’s Office. The new boat will replace a similar craft that is over 12-years old.
Maintenance Director Kurt Guidry updated the Court on repair work to county buildings following damage from Harvey. The Orange County Airport Office Building will have almost nine thousand dollars in repairs done. Insurance will cover the work on the office’s walls and flooring.
Lisa Reeves with the MIS Department was given approval by the Commissioners to purchase five Fujitsu Scanners and another piece of computer equipment. The total cost of the items is $5,024.
Special Projects Coordinator Michelle Tubbleville provided the update on the county’s recovery from Harvey. She informed the Commissioners that there are still 352 households from the county staying in FEMA funded hotels. The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center is still helping about 20 people a day. The lease for FEMA to use the Expo Center as a DRC expires on March 17.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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