Disaster Relief
Winter Storm Disaster Response FAQ
Colleyville experienced a severe winter weather event beginning Monday, Feb. 15 that lasted through Friday, Feb. 19. Many residents were without power for days, water was shut off to prevent frozen pipes from bursting and damaging property, and travel was treacherous. City Hall never shut, and staff was on-hand 24/7 throughout the event to provide essential services to residents.
Colleyville made the decision to open a warming center at City Hall and the Library on Monday, Feb. 15. The warming center was open 24/7 from Monday, Feb. 15 to Thursday, Feb. 18 at 8pm when power was restored citywide. The warming center was staffed throughout the night by volunteer staff members and was monitored by the police department. The City had visitors from Colleyville, Watauga, North Richland Hills, and other surrounding cities. Several people stayed multiple nights at the warming center. Multiple Colleyville businesses generously donated food and supplies to the warming center so that staff and those seeking shelter had meals, snacks, and drinks.
The information below is intended to keep residents informed as they move forward from the event.
Plumbing & Restoration Contractors
Click the link below for a list of plumbing contractors that are registered with the City as well as restoration contractors.
List of Plumbing & Restoration Contractors
Financial Assistance Opportunities
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Tarrant County has been approved as one of 77 Texas counties for individual assistance as part of a federal Major Disaster Declaration. All 254 Texas counties have been approved for public assistance. Individuals and business owners in counties included in the declaration who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585.
FAQ 1: People with insurance must also file a claim with their insurance company
FAQ 2: FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses that are already covered by insurance
FAQ 3: Take photos to document damage and save receipts from all repair/cleanup purchases
How to Apply
Online: disasterassistance.gov
Phone: 800.621.3362 (between 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. / 7 days a week)
Small Business Association (SBA) Loans
The SBA is able to offer low-interest federal disaster loans to Texas businesses and residents as a result of the major disaster declaration. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Interest rates can be as low as 3 percent for businesses, 2 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.25 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.disasterassistance.gov. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
FAQ 1: Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
FAQ 2: Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.
FAQ 3: Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition
FAQ 4: Virtual Business Recovery Center available to assist business owners and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center available to help homeowners and renter. Centers available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How to Apply
Online: disasterassistance.gov
Phone: 800.659.2955 (between 7am – 7pm / Monday through Friday)
Email: FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
Oncor & TriCounty Electricity
Both Oncor and TriCounty electric providers have assured the City that all customers’ power is on. If for some reason your power is not on, please contact the City immediately at 817-503-1111.
Water Quality and Supply
The City continues to work closely with the Trinity River Authority (TRA) to ensure safe, clean water is available to Colleyville residents. Throughout the winter weather event, TRA was able to ensure both water quality and water supply.
Water Bills, Sewer Averaging
The City sets your sewer rate for the year based upon average water usage during December, January, and February. Many people across the City left faucets dripping all week to avoid freezing pipes and so usage is probably higher than normal. We will not use February in the calculations for this year’s sewer rate. If you had a pipe burst or other mitigating circumstance causing excessive water use, please contact our utility billing department at 817-503-1020, and we will work with you on a case by case basis for water bill adjustment.
Permit Fees
The City is waiving all permit fees related to repairs related to damage sustained from the winter weather event. Building Department staff is also prepared to expedite the process by issuing permits and completing contractor registration after repairs are made. For assistance, contact 817-503-1030 or buildinginspections@colleyville.com .
Damage Reporting
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) are encouraging Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals. The voluntary survey can be accessed by visiting: www.TDEM.texas.gov/warming-center/.
Proclamation Declaration of Disaster
As a result of the recent winter weather damages to property and utilities, Mayor Newton issued a Proclamation Declaration of Disaster on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Click HERE to view.
