In recognition of their exemplary efforts in guiding Houston through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City Council have been honored with the Tetra Tech Francisco Sanchez Public Service Award. According to a recent announcement by the City of Houston, the award was handed over during a city council meeting on December 6 by John Buri, Tetra Tech’s Director of Post-Disaster Programs.
The acknowledgement, which singles out individuals for their extraordinary commitment during or after a calamity and was bestowed by Tetra Tech, included a special mention of the relentless endeavors by Turner and the council. As they secured a whopping $600 million in federal funds for the city's disaster resilience—$350 million of which is earmarked for rebuilding damaged properties and infrastructure—they were selected for the award, according to a statement obtained by the City of Houston.
Founder of the award in 2022, Tetra Tech established this accolade to honor individuals like its namesake, former Harris County Emergency Management Director Francisco Sanchez. Recognized during the meeting for their contributions were not only the Mayor and City Council, but also the city’s Chief Recovery Officer, Stephen Costello, and Finance Department Deputy Director Arif Rasheed, along with several local subcontractors who were crucial to the recovery effort. Turner, during the ceremony, remarked on the city's resilience, telling the attendees how it faced seven federally declared disasters in his eight years as mayor, from floods to pandemics, and how the city rapidly responded to rebuild and help the most vulnerable.
"We worked together as a team to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient city after Harvey," said Mayor Sylvester Turner. The City of Houston, appreciative of this accolade, reflects their commitment and spirit to not only rebuild but also fortify their home against future threats. Turner adds, "We always responded quickly to ensure our infrastructure was rebuilt and residents, especially the most vulnerable, would not be left behind," according to the City of Houston's announcement.
