Community Corner

Katy EDC Launches Survey Of Businesses Affected By Hurricane Harvey

Katy EDC hopes to build a database of businesses impacted by Hurricane Harvey

KATY, TX — The Katy Area Economic Development Council is compiling a list of companies and small businesses in Katy that were severely impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Katy Area EDC President Lance LaCour said in a statement that the EDC was compiling an impact assessment survey to gain more information into the scope of the damages sustained during Hurricane Harvey.

"We have already reached out to a handful of local companies and partners to assess Hurricane Harvey’s impact on our community," he said. "Some companies reported minimal flooding and damage, some others told of no real impact."

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However, at least one business reported major damage to their roof when the business was struck by a tornado spawned by Hurricane Harvey. (Want to get daily news updates and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Sugar Land Patch morning newsletter.)

"The tornado struck their facility on Saturday, August 26 peeling off roof layers and destroying a number of their roof mounted air conditioning units," LeCour said. "They also experienced some interior damage as a result of the holes in the roof."

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So far, all the companies that have been contacted reported at least some of their employees were negatively impacted by the constant rains and ensuing floods.

LeCour said most area businesses are back in operation, although some are not yet back to full capacity.

"The Katy Area EDC has contacted the Small Business Administration, USDA, some area banks and credit unions, the City of Katy and Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, to see if there are any ways we can partner together to respond to the needs of our community with the recovery process," he said. "As an organization, we will be doing everything possible to assist the Katy area business community in its recovery effort. This will be a substantial recovery and rebuilding process, but we know the Katy area is truly a special place and we are confident we will be able to come back even stronger."


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