SAN ANTONIO (Talk1370.com) -- Gov. Greg Abbott gave an update Sunday on the state's efforts to recover from last week's extreme winter weather, as water and other resources continue to make their way across Texas.
Abbott spoke from Port San Antonio, where members of the National Guard are unloading resources for distribution across the state. While
"We are making great progress in our recovery efforts from this winter storm, but many Texans are still without water, food, and other supplies — which is why the state is stepping up make sure Texans have the resources they need to provide for their families," Abbott said. "I thank our local, state, and federal partners for working together to address the needs of Texans and expedite our recovery process. I also want to thank our utility workers for providing crucial services to Texans who have experienced power outages and burst pipes. Together, we will continue to overcome this challenge."
Abbott noted that power and water are continuing to be restored throughout the state and that multiple agencies are working together to ensure communities have access to water, food, and other resources as communities begin to recover from the severe winter storm.
Trucks and aircraft have been deployed to deliver water to communities, including 162 truck deliveries that have brought a total of 2 million bottles of water and 1.4 million bottles of water that have been delivered by plane and helicopter.
State officials have also suspended size, weight, hours-of-service requirements, and more to get more commercial trucks on the road to deliver supplies across the state. Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), blankets, and generators have been provided to communities in need. In addition, the Governor has waived regulations to allow the use of unlicensed kitchens to prepare meals to donate to Texans so long as they abide by guidance issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Abbott also said work is ongoing with members of the Legislature to address skyrocketing energy bills that resulted from a temporary spike in the energy market, looking at ways that the state can help ease the burden some customers may face. Abbott also said that Texas' Public Utility Commission has issued a moratorium on customer disconnections for non-payment and will temporarily restrict providers from issuing invoices.