Judge issues flooding disaster declaration

ELLIS COUNTY – Ellis County Judge Todd Little declared a local state of disaster on May 1 resulting from the severe storms and extensive flooding in April.

Extensive property damage resulting from the recent flooding and severe weather took place mainly in the southeast part of the county, and Judge Little explained it was mainly “damage to personal property outside.”

Little said he will not be extending the declaration, which officially activated the county’s Emergency Operations Plan and enlisted state assistance for the physical and financial recovery of damaged property and livelihood in Ellis County.

“This declaration aligns with the proclamation issued by Governor Abbott on April 30,” Little said.

“Under the Texas Disaster Act, this declaration streamlines the normal purchasing and procurement procedures for county officials and ensures our ability to respond to the emergency in a timely manner.”

The disaster declaration took effect on May 1, and by law, continued for a period of no more than seven days unless Little had extended it. 

The declaration also helps to expedite a speedier response for contractors working on damaged roads and bridges.

Little also reminded his declaration came one day after Abbott had declared 18 counties disasters after the severe weather with one of those counties being Ellis County.