RGV Life

Image via Wikipedia New website offers preparedness facts, tips and tools Release Date: May 26, 2011 Release Number: R6-11-070 » 2011 Region VI News Releases   DENTON, Texas -- Individuals and their families are urged to “resolve to be ready” this hurricane season. The Federal Emergency Management Agency ’s (FEMA) Region 6 office has launched a new hurricane preparedness website to help you accomplish that goal. The website features facts about the 2011 hurricane season, as well as tools to help you execute crucial preparedness tasks such as assembling an emergency kit, formulating an individual and family plan and staying informed. “We urge everyone to get ready now,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. “You should not wait until a disaster is imminent; it’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to prepare before a storm hits.” You can visit the FEMA Region 6 Hurricane Preparedness website by logging onto  www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates...

May 25, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Ricardo Lopez-Guerra               512-463-0578 Legislation Clears the Way for Hidalgo County Water District to Be Dissolved AUSTIN -  State Representative Veronica Gonzales (D-McAllen) announces the passage of SB 978 today which allows the City of McAllen to dissolve the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District # 3 and save McAllen's taxpayers millions of dollars while guaranteeing uninterrupted service. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa authored SB 978 and Representative Gonzales sponsored the bill in the House. Hidalgo County Water District # 3 was created almost 100 years ago to service agricultural landowners, but the area, which is primarily McAllen, became urbanized and the Water District became obsolete.  Only about 13 agricultural landowners continue receiving irrigation water from the District, with the city of McAllen constituting 94% of the ...

A good time was had by all.

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and UTPA Small Business Development office presented a seminar on what small businesses can do to prepare themselves for and what they can do to ensure a quick recovery after one. It is important to note that roughly 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster. Less than 30% of small businesses report having a plan for emergencies. The odds are that your small business, or one that you frequent, may not survive a catastrophe without a plan. One thing you can do to prepare is to talk to your first responders so they can help you prepare. One aspect of their jobs that has changed over the years is that they spend a lot of time educating the public. They can help you develop a basic needs assessment that you can refine. The day of an emergency is too late to consult with your first responders. Also, don't forget to let your police department know about your business in case they need to contact you for any reason. Another goo...

To register for this session please call the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce at (956)585-2727.  All events require pre-registration as all sessions are subject to change.   

Border Patrol agents trade fire across Rio Grande - San Antonio Express-News

Dear Friends and Neighbors in the 28th District, I recently received news that the City of McAllen was awarded $1,940,000 to fund an emergency and public safety communication system, the Rio Grande Valley Border Interoperability Regional Project (RGVBIRP). Only seven awards were distributed nation-wide, and I am grateful to the Department of Homeland Security for granting this award to my constituency. As we all know, the violence and unrest in Mexico increases the risk of violence spilling over to our side of the border. This federal grant will streamline cross-border communication, giving law enforcement and emergency responders access to real-time communication in emergency situations such as natural disasters or national threats. The implementation of this system will increase coordination and efficiency among local, state, and federal entities, aiding in our efforts to keep border communities safe. As a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, I am ...