Texas Town Finally Repairs Hurricane Dolly Damage

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A South Texas town is contracting engineers to overhaul a water treatment system damaged six years ago when Hurricane Dolly slammed the community.

The McAllen Monitor reports that Donna city leaders have approved using federal funds to help pay for the repairs.

City Manager Oscar Ramirez says that although extensive repairs are needed, the treatment plant is up and running and water quality has not been impacted.

Hildalgo County, Texas, July 30, 2008 -- Eight days following Hurricane Dolly's landfall, residents were still cut off by flood waters and had to wade through water to reach passable roads. Parts of Hildalgo County are still surrounded by flood water three weeks into this disaster. Photo by Patricia Brach/FEMA — Hildalgo County, Texas, July 30, 2008 — Eight days following Hurricane Dolly’s landfall, residents were still cut off by flood waters and had to wade through water to reach passable roads. Parts of Hildalgo County are still surrounded by flood water three weeks into this disaster. Photo by Patricia Brach/FEMA

Most of the issues began after the 2008 hurricane inflicted heavy water damage on the treatment plant. Initially the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the city nearly $500,000 to repair the plant. Now the city is asking for another $1.2 million to complete the work.

Finance Director David Vasquez says federal officials have already toured the plant to reassess the damage.