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Levelland extends disaster declaration, readies approved burn site and FEMA paperwork for storm recovery
Summary
City Council extended the May disaster declaration to continue emergency management while staff coordinates debris removal, TCEQ-approved burns of green waste, tire removal, and FEMA public-assistance paperwork with local long-term recovery partners.
Levelland’s City Council on an August evening extended its disaster declaration to keep the city’s emergency management plan active while crews finish debris-removal work from the May storm.
City Manager Fisher told the council that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved a designated site for controlled burning of green debris and that the city is coordinating with Hockley County and TCEQ to oversee burns. Fisher said staff has been hauling tire loads to Denver City and that the burn operations will require TCEQ inspection and oversight before burning begins.
The extension of the disaster declaration keeps the city’s emergency operations activated while crews work to clear debris, with an aggressive target to remove remaining piles by Sept. 1. Fisher said the city plans to have a fire department unit on standby during burns and will ask regional mutual-aid partners to assist.
Fisher also reported the city is preparing FEMA public assistance paperwork; the deadline to initiate public-assistance claims is Aug. 15. He said the city is scheduling a meeting with FEMA representatives so staff can submit documentation into the grants system. Insurance claims for damaged or totaled city vehicles remain active, and the city said it is continuing work with insurers.
The council and staff pointed residents to local recovery resources: the long-term recovery committee meeting weekly at the Little Dribblers building downtown, Salvation Army and South Plains Community Action for immediate needs, and the local Love Levelland group leading recovery coordination.
Council members did not take additional policy action beyond extending the declaration; the extension was approved by vote to maintain the city’s ability to coordinate recovery, seek federal assistance and manage debris operations.
The council set a goal to complete debris removal by Sept. 1 and said staff will return with updates as operations and FEMA paperwork progress.
