Webb County residents are now in a state of disaster after Governor Greg Abbott declared an emergency due to contamination in the local water supply. Tests of the City of Laredo's public water system have confirmed the presence of E. coli, posing an urgent risk to public health and safety, according to a proclamation from the Office of the Texas Governor.
The Office of the Texas Governor quickly authorized the use of state resources to manage the disaster and suspended regulations that could slow emergency efforts. This includes any state statute or rule related to contracting or procurement that might impede the response. The goal is to protect lives and property without the constraints of usual procedures.
As outlined by the proclamation, copies have been filed with the necessary authorities, ensuring that all measures conform to statutory requirements. Governor Abbott's office in Austin has the full proclamation available for review, complete with the official Seal of State as of Wednesday.
