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CNN Live Today

Texas Governor Expects $1 Billion in Flood Damage

Aired July 09, 2002 - 10:26   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Let's check in now on Texas, where the governor says he expects flood damage in the state to total nearly $1 billion. More than 30 inches of rain have fallen in the past week in parts of Texas, pushing rivers and streams over their banks. More than 100 homes have been damaged. Mike Rosen or our affiliate KTBC has more on the flooding and efforts to help those in need.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE ROSEN, KTBC CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Tony Slowick pleads his case to his insurance adjuster, as the part of Lake Travis inside his home inches downward. We had to borrow a neighbor's rowboat to get a better look inside. His couch and refrigerator, among other things, are still floating. Slowick has flood insurance, and has already made phone calls for federal assistance.

TONY SLOWICK, FLOOD VICTIM: I've already contacted FEMA, my insurance company, rental assistance FEMA, and Red Cross. They all got my name and number.

ROSEN: Governor Rick Perry, at a flooded home in San Antonio Monday morning, says he anticipates no delays in federal help.

GOV. RICK PERRY, TEXAS: My hope is we don't have a bottleneck. If we do, then we'll put our heads together and find out how to unstop it.

ROSEN (on camera): Even if there is no bottleneck, it could still take a long time for people who live on Lake Travis. Adjusters can't make an accurate assessment, they say, until the water goes completely down. In this case, we're talking that much depth at six inches a day.

ROSEN (voice over): Meaning Slowick probably won't get a dime until next weekend.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I can go ahead and get the paperwork started on that, you bet.

ROSEN: His is one of 20 or so homes flooded at Graveyard Point. They're in line with some 48,000 homes in 32 counties that could receive federal assistance. Another is Slowick's neighbor, Bill Kopeck. He moved all his valuables, including his '57 T-Bird last Thursday. ROSEN (on camera): This is Bill Kopeck's garage today. If he hadn't taken the T-Bird out, he would have had at least this much water in it.

ROSEN (voice over): Because Kopeck planned ahead, he likely has a much smaller claim than most, plus a place to stay, so he may not even call FEMA.

BILL KOPECK, FLOOD VICTIM: I might, but I haven't decided really yet.

ROSEN: Which at least in theory could lighten the load on federal assistance and insure that when the waters do recede next door, help will arrive.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And, that report is from Mike Rosen. I think it's Mike Rosen. Actually, yes Mike Rosen of our affiliate KTBC, and we want to thank them, and Mike, for that report.

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