The GCCDD team had the pleasure of meeting with Lisa Y. Williams and her dedicated team from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA at the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) office Monday Nov. 19th. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to them for their time and insights.

At the GCCDD, we are committed to redefining our professional approach to enhance outreach and build strong relationships. Our goal is to better serve our tax-paying citizens by securing available funding for improved flooding and drainage solutions. This proactive approach is crucial as we strive to address the challenges posed by severe weather.

Preparation is key to effective storm management. The expenses involved in being proactive before storms and conducting thorough cleanup afterward can be significant. However, maintaining the waterways we manage is essential for keeping them clean and flowing, which ultimately benefits our community.

During our meeting, we discussed FEMA's examination of our efforts during Hurricane Beryl. This evaluation could lead to federal funding that would offset the taxpayer dollars we spent on these critical initiatives. Such support allows us to recoup expenses and reinvest in our community, enhancing our ability to serve the public effectively.

I would also like to thank Samantha Haritos and Kathy Grace for their efforts in organizing this important meeting. Your hard work makes a difference!

I look forward to continuing our collaboration and seeing everyone around the district. Together, we can create a more resilient and prepared community.

Take care,

-- Rusty Burkett, GCCDD Board President