Port Arthur Proclaims NRCS Day

On August 1, 2006, the city of Port Arthur, Texas, declared it NRCS and Emergency Watershed Protection Program Day for assisting the city in overcoming “the devastation that Hurricane Rita and its aftermath caused for the community in the areas of widespread waterway debris, vegetation restoration, and riverbank stability.”

NRCS has provided Port Arthur with approximately $750,000 in financial assistance through EWP. “We are so grateful that NRCS came to us and offered some help,” said John Comeaux, Port Arthur director of public works. “You’ve helped us financially and with morale because you truly were here to help.”

The cost-share funding provided by NRCS has been used primarily to remove tree and other debris left along roadsides that created a safety hazard from both a visibility and health standpoint. This expanded program authority was used in 12 other communities along the Texas gulf coast impacted by Hurricane Rita.

“Your assistance has been the one bright spot in the whole ordeal,” Comeaux said. “I can’t say enough about how this help has saved us.”

Kathleen Pinckney, center, NRCS contract specialist, holds a plaque presented to NRCS by the city of Port Arthur, Texas, for assistance provided through the Emergency Watershed Protection program. From left to right: Gerald Robinson, Port Arthur solid waste superintendent; Emil “Trey” Bethke, NRCS soil conservationist, Conroe; John Comeaux, Port Arthur director of public works; Pinckney; Hank Wiederhold, NRCS civil engineer, Nacogdoches; Warren Jones, Jr., Port Arthur crew supervisor for trash collection; and Rubin Felton, Port Arthur assistant superintendent of solid waste collection.

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