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Texas Historical Commission mobilizes disaster response
Special to the Villager
With weather forecasts predicting Hurricane Ike to strike the Texas Gulf Coast sometime during the weekend, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is readying a Disaster Response Team to work closely with property owners, local officials and state and federal agencies in communities that may be impacted by the storm. A professional team of architects, archeologists, museum specialists and other staff will be available to provide technical and other assistance if needed.
In addition to these proactive efforts, the use of federal funds to assist communities after a disaster is subject to review by the THC when any cleanup or repairs impact historic properties. In such situations, the Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) consult with the THC in an effort to avoid damage to historic resources.
“Damaged properties do not need to be officially designated as historic to receive technical assistance from our agency,” said THC Executive Director Larry Oaks. “We want to ensure that those special places that tell the story of Texas are protected and we encourage people to contact our staff for assistance and share that contact information with others in their community. If necessary, we are prepared to work with FEMA and other agencies in identifying and evaluating damaged properties.”
The THC encourages those who may need assistance to call 512/415-1858 at any time throughout the weekend and beyond. To further assist communities in saving historical resources, the THC has created comprehensive disaster help pages on the agency’s web site at www.thc.state.tx.us. Information includes initial stabilization steps, links to online help for conserving historic resources and general disaster assistance. Although the THC does not have a grant program specifically designed for disaster assistance, the Texas Preservation Trust Fund may be used for the rehabilitation of historic properties damaged by disasters. Information on that program can also be found on the THC web site.
The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.
www.thc.state.tx.us
With weather forecasts predicting Hurricane Ike to strike the Texas Gulf Coast sometime during the weekend, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is readying a Disaster Response Team to work closely with property owners, local officials and state and federal agencies in communities that may be impacted by the storm. A professional team of architects, archeologists, museum specialists and other staff will be available to provide technical and other assistance if needed.
In addition to these proactive efforts, the use of federal funds to assist communities after a disaster is subject to review by the THC when any cleanup or repairs impact historic properties. In such situations, the Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) consult with the THC in an effort to avoid damage to historic resources.
“Damaged properties do not need to be officially designated as historic to receive technical assistance from our agency,” said THC Executive Director Larry Oaks. “We want to ensure that those special places that tell the story of Texas are protected and we encourage people to contact our staff for assistance and share that contact information with others in their community. If necessary, we are prepared to work with FEMA and other agencies in identifying and evaluating damaged properties.”
The THC encourages those who may need assistance to call 512/415-1858 at any time throughout the weekend and beyond. To further assist communities in saving historical resources, the THC has created comprehensive disaster help pages on the agency’s web site at www.thc.state.tx.us. Information includes initial stabilization steps, links to online help for conserving historic resources and general disaster assistance. Although the THC does not have a grant program specifically designed for disaster assistance, the Texas Preservation Trust Fund may be used for the rehabilitation of historic properties damaged by disasters. Information on that program can also be found on the THC web site.
The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.
www.thc.state.tx.us
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