The TACO has been busy in Austin this week as the Special Session tackles disaster preparedness in the wake of the Fourth of July floods.
Randall Dally, TACO’s Legislative Liaison, testified in two different committees — the Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding and the Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism.
New legislation is being offered in the Special Session to improve campground safety in Texas, particularly as it relates to evacuation during major natural disasters. The legislation being proposed is pretty heavy-handed as it relates to a park on or near water — rivers, lakes, coastline, etc. — but it would capture all parks across Texas.
TACO’s position is that it has tried to pass reasonable RV park and campground standards over the last two legislative sessions (four years) and hasn’t received the cooperation necessary for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1194 to be the state standard, which does specifically address the issue of evacuation plans.
TACO is again asking that the Special Session language concerning evacuation plans for RV parks and campgrounds be amended or substituted to encompass NFPA 1194, as it is fully supported and vetted by all stakeholders. The response from committee members and staffers has been positive thus far.
TACO continues to work with legislators to include practical language for RV parks and campgrounds when it comes to disaster preparedness.
Small Business Disaster Loan Program
When disasters like the devastating Fourth of July floods hit Texas communities, small businesses like local restaurants, retail stores, daycares and gas stations are essential in the immediate response and long-term recovery efforts. Unfortunately, many small businesses cannot afford to reopen while waiting for insurance claims or SBA loans.
Texas has a program to help, but it isn’t available to small businesses with more than 20 employees, and there isn’t enough money to go around. In the special legislative session going on right now, however, we can give lawmakers a chance to help more small businesses and the communities they serve.
Please use and share this page to ask your lawmakers to fix and fund the Small Business Disaster Recovery Loan Program to help communities rebuild stronger and faster.
In-Kind Donation Information for Impacted Parks
This week, TACO will be reaching out to parks in counties that were impacted by the floods and sharing the generous offers and specials given by TACO vendors. The discounted items range from electric pedestals to printing and promotion, and much more.