Report of the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas EYE OF THE STORM Report of the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas A pdf version of the report can be downloaded at www.rebuildtexas.today and clicking on the cover of the report. The report has nine chapters that discuss Harvey and its impact, Emergency Management in Texas and of Texas responded during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and how recovery is moving forward and provided recommendations into future proofing Texas for the next event.

Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25, 2017. Gov. Abbott announced the creation of the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas on September 7, 2017. Chancellor Sharp was named the sole Commissioner. Resources of the Texas A&M University System were committed to the recovery process, including employees of the System, TEEX, AgriLife Extension, Forest Service, TEES. Hurricane Harvey; Category 4 storm with measured wind gusts of 145 mph that made landfall near Rockport on August 25, 2017. Recorded for the longest duration as a named storm – 117 hours; Impact zone of 42 million acres size of Oklahoma, 8 million Texans residing in the impact zone; A Hurricane Event followed by two major flood events, Largest one day rainfall total in the US – 60.58 inches near Nederland, TX. 33 trillion gallons of water dumped on Texas which equals 45 million Olympic-sized swimming pools, Generated 13.1 million cubic yards of debris. 780,000 evacuees fled the storm, 122,331 people and 5,234 pets rescued. Largest animal sheltering operation that I have been associated with. Additionally, AgriLife Extension set up 13 animal supply points to meet animal needs Hurricane Ike – set up two.

Report Status Culmination of one year‘s work by the commission. It includes a technical analysis of the impact of the storm by TAMU-Galveston. Also included are recommendations for improving state disaster response and recovery based on the commission’s work. It involved contributions from more than 50 people, including the System, TAMU, TAMU-Galveston, TDEM, TEEX, AgriLife Extension, TFS, Veterinary Medicine, Rice University, and the private sector. Special thanks to AgriLife Extension. TAMU-Galveston indicated that Harvey generated four types of devastation on Texas – River Flooding, Urban Flooding, Storm Surge, and Hurricane force Winds. > 230,000 Texas homes were damaged, 80,000 flooded with 18 inches and 23,000 with greater than 5 feet of water. 1,000 Texas schools damaged. ½ to 1 million cars flooded or damaged, As of February 2018 National Flood Insurance Program – 91,661 claims for $8.8 billion; By October 12, 2017 Texas Wind Insurance Association – had 69,833 claims valued at $1 billion, As of August 23, 2018 FEMA Individual Assistance Program had received 895,534 applications and provided $1.6 billion in housing assistance. Some 18,662 projects from local jurisdictions have been entered in the FEMA Public Assistance Grants Portal. Total damage caused by Harvey of $125 Billion. Comptroller Glenn Hager called Harvey ”A Storm to remember”.

Report Findings First, we found that Texas is the best in the nation in its ability to respond to disasters, but we also identified ways that we can improve through more efficient organization, more effective coordination, better information and applying emerging technologies. Second, we need to apply the lessons of Harvey to the strategies we use to begin the recovery in the critical days and weeks following a future disaster. Third, we need to streamline and improve our longer-term approach to recovery. Fourth, we need to be better prepared and recommend ways to do that. Fifth, we need to provide local governments, Texas businesses and individual Texans with better and more accessible information, and we need to develop our communities in ways that don’t expose homeowners and businesses to risks that only become apparent when disaster strikes. Finally, we need to begin the vital work of future-proofing Texas, and we need to develop a more organized method of approaching this imposing task. 1st – We are great at response but there is always a need to improve. We need to continue to be innovative and agile in response try new technologies and new ways of responding. AgriLife Extension Agentss embedded with TAMU VET Team during response to animal crisis associated with Camp Fire in Butte County, CA.

Report Recommendations In total, there are 44 recommendations. These have been reviewed with Gov. Abbott’s Office and the Division of Emergency Management. Recommendations are tied to findings.

Key Recommendations Reorganize emergency management functions to unify the most critical response and recovery functions. Institutionalize the use of extension agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as a “force extender” in support of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Use System experts to create a recovery task force in support of TDEM to provide specialized assistance to local governments. Set up a response team at the state level to respond to questions and other inquiries from local emergency management officials.

Key Recommendations, continued Establish a special study committee to evaluate and propose options for a state-local partnership to help future- proof Texas on a watershed basis. Review current training courses to strengthen training for recovery operations for state and local personnel. (TEEX). Collaborate with Congress and federal agencies to improve disaster management laws and policies. Apply new technologies to disaster response and recovery. Develop a comprehensive inventory of ”future-proofing” projects to pursue as funding permits (TDEM, GCRT).

Questions?