KILGORE, Texas — More than a week after a strong storm caused significant damage across the city of Kilgore, the city is continuing its effort to clean debris while ensuring affected buildings are safe.
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According to the city, the worst of the storm hit the southwestern part of the city. The city estimates there were 160 homes damaged in the storm with 40 of those homes receiving major structural damage. Another dozen homes are considered structurally unsound.
“Some of this damage can be deceiving. If a tree falls on your home, the outside of it may look fine while you’ve got major structural damage on the inside. We’ve seen a few homes that fall into that category,” City Manager Josh Selleck said. “Where possible, we are issuing same day permits help expedite repairs for home-owners who need them. While we understand the urgency and desire to get back into their homes, we want to make sure that the repairs are safe and will not cause problems down the road for homeowners.”
For residents who do need major repairs on their homes, the city says they still need to see if they need a permit before work. For more information, residents may reach out to the City of Kilgore Permit Office josie.atchley@cityofkilgore.com or (903) 988- 4119.
Concerning the cleanup of debris, the city is focusing on the hardest hit neighborhoods, working street by street.
Danny Downing, Directors of Parks and Facilities, asks the residents to have patience with the city during the cleanup period.
“Staff are being pulled from cemeteries, streets, utilities, fire and parks crews to continue the City’s efforts on brush collection and clearing right of ways, but we’re limited to the number of staff we have," Downing explained. "The green waste facility is filling up quickly, so we want to limit the number of residents trying to drop their brush off at the facility themselves, we just ask residents to be patient.”
The city asks residents to assist in the cleanup by putting brush and tree debris in bags and leaving it on their curb for pickup. The city stresses not to put any trash with the tree and brush debris as it is intended to go to the green waste facility.
