A message from Judge Jeff Branick
I have always been a proud Southeast Texan, but never more so than I am now. Hurricane Harvey, its torrential rain, and unprecedented flooding tested the resolve of our communities. We responded the only way we know how – with grit, determination, love and compassion for our neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by Harvey. The road of recovery will be long and hard. Our communities must continue to work together to rebuild all that was washed away. Jefferson County will continue to work diligently to restore county services, repair infrastructure, and support and protect those in the most vulnerable positions. And, so it is important that all Southeast Texans are informed about the resources and disaster assistance available to them. This bulletin will serve as a daily update and reminder of important information for Jefferson County residents as we transition from relief to recovery. God bless Jefferson County and God bless Texas. – Judge Jeff Branick
Jefferson County Courthouse open with limited hours through Friday
The Jefferson County Courthouse will have a limited opening through Friday, September 8, 2017. There will be limited personnel in the offices of Tax Assessor-Collector, County Clerk, and District Clerk. Hours of operation will be from 8:00am – 12:00pm. The Jefferson County Courthouse plans to resume normal operations on Monday, September 11. Residents who have business with the commissioners, county, or district courts should reach out to the respective offices for schedules and hours of operations.
Hurricane Harvey documents and declarations available on county website
Please visit the Jefferson County website for a list of disaster documents, declarations, and orders pertaining to Hurricane Harvey.
PODs open through the weekend in unincorporated areas of county
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick and Jefferson County Emergency Coordinator Greg Fountain are reporting that points of distribution (PODs) will be open in the unincorporated areas of the county at least through Sunday, September 10. For assistance locating the nearest POD, please contact Emergency Management at 409-835-8757.
County officials assessing damage to public structures, roads
Jefferson County officials are currently assessing damage to public structures, roads, bridges, and related infrastructure throughout the county. To report structural damage to buildings, please contact Cary Erickson at 409-839-2391. To report damage to roads and bridges, please contact the County Engineer at 409-835-8584.
Residents eligible for federal assistance at disasterassistance.gov
The federal government issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Jefferson County on September 2, 2017, which made county residents eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). All Jefferson County residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey are encouraged to apply for federal assistance at disasterassistance.gov, at a local government office, or at a FEMA disaster recovery center when established. For more information and helpful resources on FEMA’s disaster relief and recovery efforts, please visit FEMA.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
NOTE: residents who applied for FEMA assistance prior to the Major Disaster Declaration by the federal government on September 2, 2017, will need to re-apply for assistance.
FEMA opening disaster recovery centers in Jefferson County
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with Jefferson County officials and could set up disaster recovery centers as early as this week. Residents may apply for federal disaster assistance at FEMA disaster recovery centers. FEMA representatives will assess damaged properties of county residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey who have applied for federal assistance through disasterassistance.gov.
SBA disaster loans available to SETX businesses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is actively coordinating with FEMA and other federal agencies to provide disaster assistance to affected individuals, families, and businesses. If you are business owner in Southeast Texas, you may be eligible to receive a low-interest, long-term disaster loan from the SBA to repair or replace uninsured/underinsured disaster damaged property. For more information, please visit the SBA Hurricane Harvey Recovery webpage.
More useful links for individuals and families impacted by Harvey
The General Land Office (GLO) has compiled a list of useful links for individuals, families, and businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey. The webpage includes links to guide residents in replacing lost or damaged documents such as birth certificates, proof of residency, military records, Medicare cards, and others. Find out more at GLO’s Recovery Assistance.
Please report price gouging and scams to Texas Attorney General
The office of Attorney General Ken Paxton has provided helpful tips to avoid price gouging and scams, and to protect residents in vulnerable positions. Please contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General to report any of these suspicious activities at 1-800-621-0508 or file a complaint online.