Abbott seeks immediate federal help as Laredo businesses face economic hardship due to E. coli contamination in the water
Laredo, Texas – A persistent water quality problem that first started in October in Laredo has prompted Texas Governor Greg Abbott to ask for federal help to support the nearby companies severely impacted by the disaster. Governor Abbott formally asked the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to declare a disaster for Webb County, which includes Laredo, so enabling access to important financial resources for the local small businesses suffering economically from problems in the water supply.
The request follows a major water contamination incident in Laredo’s water system, when E. coli bacteria were found and state and local officials issued extended boil water notices to guarantee public safety. The contamination impacted daily living and hampered company operations, therefore causing a notable economic decline for many local businesses.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration in October, coordinating state resources including the delivery of more than 60 truckloads of bottled drinking water and assistance from the Texas A&M Public Works Response Team to help restore water service.
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“Since last October when Laredo was impacted by prolonged boil water notices, Texas continues working with local officials to ensure there are no unmet needs for Texans in Webb County and the surrounding area,” said Governor Abbott.
“To help our fellow Texans in South Texas, I issued a disaster declaration in October to surge all available resources to the impacted border communities, including more than 60 truckloads of bottled water. We must do more to provide support to Texas businesses still working to recover. That is why I requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration to ensure Texans in Webb County have access to low-interest loans to help their business financially move forward.”
Should the SBA approve the disaster declaration request, impacted small businesses in Webb County would be allowed to submit low-interest disaster loan applications. These loans are meant to give companies a lifeline by giving them the required funds to get beyond the financial burden the water problem generates.
According to a recent poll of nearby companies, the economic damage was really severe; several of them reported large losses for which there was no way to offset using traditional financial channels. This survey was critical in qualifying the area for potential federal aid under the SBA’s disaster loan program.
Emphasizing the significance of the SBA’s quick confirmation of the disaster designation, Governor Abbott underlined that the aid will not only solve short-term cash problems but also help to ensure long-term stability of the local economy. The local businesses are the backbone of the community, and they need every tool available to recover from this disaster and continue contributing to the Texas economy.
Local officials are also working on policies meant to stop such events while state officials are waiting on the SBA decision. This entails upgrading sections of the outdated water infrastructure and stepping up monitoring to guarantee the water supply stays safe for all users. The state’s dedication to assist Laredo and the larger Webb County community emphasizes the need of quick and coordinated reactions to public health crises and their financial consequences.
