PROPOSAL

Fund the Tire Remediation Program what was left unfunded in the senate version of the appropriations during the 80th legislative session. This will help local governments with the enforcement, collection and disposal of used tires in municipalities.

BACKGROUND

The importance of proper tire disposal cannot be overstated in that it is not just an environmental and sanitation issue but also a very serious health issue. Abandoned tires that hold stagnant water serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes that further pose a widespread threat of Dengue, West Nile Virus and other vector borne diseases. In 1997, the State of Texas abandoned the tire waste disposal program. Since then, each municipality is responsible for the enforcement and disposal of legally and illegally discarded tires, but does not receive any funding to administer such a program. Because of the serious health threat, the City of Laredo spends over $100,000 a year removing tires from its jurisdiction.

CONTACTS

Oscar Medina, Solid Waste Director
6912 SH 359
Laredo, Texas 78041
Phone: (956) 795-2510
Fax: (956) 796-1105
Email: omedina@ci.laredo.tx.us

Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Health Department Director
2600 Cedar Street
Laredo, Texas 78040
Phone: (956) 795-4901
Fax: (956) 729-2632
Email: hgonzalez@ci.laredo.tx.us