NEWS
Gov. Abbott requests federal emergency declaration for border crisis
| AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting an emergency declaration for the State of Texas as a result of the escalating crisis at the Texas-Mexico border, specifically due to the dire situation in Val Verde County. The letter explains that the federal government’s failure to enforce immigration laws and in particular, its failure to halt illegal crossings on a dam on federal property, which is the sole jurisdiction of the federal government, is leading to substantial burdens on local and state resources, as well as federal resources. “Border security is a federal responsibility; however, in response to the current situation, I have taken the appropriate action under state law by directing the execution of the state’s emergency management plan and by declaring a state of disaster on May 31, 2021, for multiple Texas counties across the state’s southern border,” reads the letter. “This surge poses life-threatening risks to residents of Val Verde County and is quickly overrunning law enforcement and health care and humanitarian resources which were never intended to be used in this capacity. Even the limited federal resources in the area are strained by the large number of individuals illegally crossing into Texas. I have determined that the disaster caused from individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border is of such severity that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to lessen the threat of disaster, save lives, and protect property, public health, and safety.” Read the Governor’s letter. Governor Abbott made border security funding a priority for the first and second special legislative sessions. The Governor launched Operation Lone Star in early March to help secure the border and combat the smuggling of people and drugs in Texas. There are currently thousands of state personnel, including DPS troopers, agents, and rangers, and National Guard Soldiers who are engaged in the mission and working with local law enforcement. The Governor expanded the mission shortly after its launch to include anti-human trafficking efforts. Governor Abbott’s plan to secure the border also includes the construction of a border wall, in addition to the use of strategic fencing and other barriers. A project manager for the initial stage of building the wall was announced September 16. On Friday, the Governor signed HB 9 which appropriated $1.8 billion to Texas border security efforts. Among other things, the funding will add more National Guard and additional resources to better secure the border. |
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Infrastructure projects once more dominate the agenda of the Bowie City Council when it meets at 6 p.m. on May 13.
A pair of proclamations open the meeting, one for Emergency Medical Services Week and National Travel and Tourism Week.
City Manager Bert Cunningham will present information on the substation transformer project, the phase two sewer line replacement contract, status of the infrastructure fund and plans for the budget.
A pair of public works requests will ask for $24,000 out of the infrastructure fund to buy nine fire hydrants and $29,825 from the meter tap account to buy replacement meters. Public Works Director Stony Lowrance is expected to make that presentation.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
The final Bowie Business Boost featuring secrets from a secret shopper will be on May 21 in the Bowie Community Center.
This four-part series that kicked off in February has explored many of the every day challenges a business faces and how to tackle them. Speakers have challenged attendees to act and boost the success of their business and motivate employees to achieve their goals and meet the firm’s mission.
On May 21, Alysia Cook will bring “8 Secrets from a Secret Shopper.” Breakfast is at 7:30 a.m. with the presentation 8 to 9:30 a.m. Cook, Professional Community and Economic Developer and principal of Opportunity Strategies, is a proven expert in the field of customer service and hospitality. Her secret shopper program will provide a blueprint to ensure your customers have a great experience in all of your business interactions and then become your best ambassadors.
Janis Crawley, executive director of the Bowie Economic Development Corporation, said she has been pleased with the attendance and the programs as guests come away with lots of great ideas. The BEDC hosted the program.
For information call the BEDC at 940-872-4193, text 940-531-8201 or email us at [email protected]
Construction on the new Allsup’s truck stop located at the edge of Bowie on U.S. Highway 287 and State Highway 59 is moving along at a quick pace as the colorful new store shows off the new store colors of red, white and blue. No information was available when the new location may be completed, but staff is being hired. (News photo by Barbara Green)
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