State of Emergency declared in Gonzales

As of Aug. 25, effective 4 p.m., a state of emergency was declared by Gonzales Mayor Connie Kacir.

In a press release sent out Friday, Kacir wrote the “State of Emergency has been declared due to the approach of Hurricane Harvey from the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall with the Texas coast in the early morning hours of Aug. 25.”

“This satiation threatens the public safety,” she wrote.

The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

“As the Mayor of the City of Gonzales, Texas, I, Connie L. Kacir, exercise the authority given me under the laws of the State of Texas pursuant to Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of this Municipality,” she wrote. “I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the City of Gonzales, Texas to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.”

Kacir then declared a Declaration for Disaster on Aug. 27, which pursuant to 418.018(b) of the Texas Government Code, shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of the declaration.

Voluntary water conservation measures are being observed as well. As of noon on Aug. 28, the city of Gonzales requests the citizens observe voluntary water conservation measures.

“Please limit water use consumption by any means and if at all possible,” reads the signed press release. “This request shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this notice unless continued or renewed by the city council of the city of Gonzales. Please note, these are voluntary measures the city of Gonzales wishes to implement to preserve the water supply during this time.”