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The monumental task of cleaning up after Hurricane Ike is moving forward thanks in part to contributions to a county-sponsored recovery fund.
Hurricane Ike left hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of vegetative debris and splintered homes in its wake across Galveston County. The process of clearing that debris is slow because government agencies must navigate a complex, bureaucratic process to ensure reimbursement.
The Galveston County Commissioners Court helped cut through the red tape - first in San Leon and Bacliff, and now on Bolivar Peninsula - by contracting with the faith-based group Service International, Inc., a non-profit agency that expedites the cleanup process.
Service International quickly obtains the necessary forms from homeowners to allow cleanup on eligible properties, and hundreds of county residents have benefited from their hard work. However, the volunteer organization depends on donations to help offset its operating costs.
That's where the county's recovery fund comes in.
"This is a great example of government and the private sector working together to expedite a solution," said County Judge Jim Yarbrough. "The Commissioners Court is pleased to have partnered with Service International to help our citizens recover, and this might not have been possible without the support of our local industries."
Among the growing list of contributors to the county fund are BP Foundation, Inc. ($25,000); BP Corporation North America, Inc. ($15,000); Jamail Galveston Foundation ($25,000); Texas Offshore Port System ($20,000); and Costello, Inc. ($100).
Donations are accepted by a county non-profit, Galveston County Senior Citizens Activities, Inc. GCSCA was established several years ago by County Commissioner Pat Doyle to attract donations for senior activities and to purchase a Coach-style bus used to transport senior citizens to various recreational outings.
"The GCSCA provides the vehicle to make use of these donated funds, which are helping many of our hardest-hit citizens get thier lives back together in a quick fashion," Doyle said. The Precinct 1 county commissioner represents the unincorporated areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ike - San Leon, Bacliff, and Bolivar Peninsula.
"These companies have made a difference in the lives of many of our residents, and the Commissioners Court cannot thank them enough," Doyle said. |
