Rep. Farenthold Meets with Local Officials, Residents of Bastrop

Tuesday morning, I visited the Emergency Operations Center in Bastrop. The EOC is coordinating response efforts after the devastating floods that have occurred in Central Texas. I was briefed by County Judge Paul Pate, Commissioner Willie Piña and various law enforcement, fire and other public safety officials on emergency operations.

Unfortunately, Bastrop County has all too much recent experience with disasters. This experience, however, is serving the communities in the area well with first responders, experts and elected officials working hand-in-hand to meet the challenges these historic floods are presenting.

Following the tour of the command center, I held a roundtable meeting in Bastrop to discuss community concerns with local residents. Items discussed at the roundtable included an update from Washington D.C., tax reform and social security, transportation and the development of a local airport, and the Jade Helm 15 military exercise.

I also met with Bastrop Mayor Ken Kesselus to discuss how the federal government can assist disaster recovery. Fortunately, the city did not suffer significant damage. 

It is more important than ever that we remain united as a community and help our fellow neighbors. The difficult times we face during a natural disaster offers us the chance to focus on how we can help one another, and that is something this great community has taken to heart. I am ready to assist in any way I can to help the residents of Bastrop.