Brown County Judge, Dr. Paul Lilly, has sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott concerning damage in Brown County left behind by the February winter storm.

Dear Governor Abbott:

As a result of the Severe Winter Weather Event that occurred on February 14-21, 2021, Brown County is currently facing tremendous physical and economic losses. An estimated 260 homes and/or businesses have been damaged due to water leaks resulting from broken water pipes and electrical issues due to power surges and loss of electrical service and 220 families will be in need of temporary housing and other individual assistance. Forty businesses have sustained significant uninsured losses.
These business losses have created a severe impact on jobs, production and revenue.

Likewise, public utilities have been impacted to the extent that over 2,000 homes/businesses have been left without water and or electricity. The public works and road situation in Brown County has been affected to an extent that twenty-four roads have been damaged due to the freeze thaw cycle causing them major damages. It is estimated that road and bridge damage will exceed $3,500,000.

It is my belief the damage to homes, businesses, public works and utility systems due to the extended freezing temperatures, loss of water and electricity constitutes a public health and safety hazard. I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond Brown County’s capability to recover without supplementary State and/or Federal assistance. Additionally, I certify that Brown County does not have local funding available to make the needed repairs and to provide these citizens with effective relief.

Your assistance in this emergency matter, as it affects the safety and health needs of our citizens, would be appreciated.

Dr. Paul Lilly
Brown County Judge