The Public Works Response Team (PWRT) supports local jurisdictions in their response to a catastrophic event by providing critical public works services as needed to facilitate recovery.

Purpose

When a catastrophic event occurs and the citizens of Texas have their daily lives and local economy disrupted, an immediate and integrated public works response provides for quicker recovery of critical services and infrastructure.

A PWRT is a state resource with multi-disciplined, multi-talented, and highly qualified members who support local response, rapid damage assessment, and recovery efforts. PWRT is composed of members who are highly skilled and knowledgeable in public works activities such as Utilities (Electrical, Gas, Water, Wastewater, Storm Water, Environmental Safety and Compliance, Communications); Debris Clearance; Structural Safety; Transportation Systems; Traffic Engineering and Management; Fleet Services; and Parks and Recreation.

The team’s response effort is organized and functions in accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This PWRT is designed to support local jurisdictions in their initial response and recovery efforts at three levels:

Planning Support: Specialized public works technical assistance for jurisdictions in performing rapid damage assessment, and identifying capabilities and resource needs, while responding to and recovering from the consequences of a catastrophic event
Operational Support: Short term augmentation of local public works resources as needed to expedite and enhance their response capability to a catastrophic event
Liaison Support: Act as a point of contact for the PWRT in support of the Incident Commander

Administration

The PWRT is a State asset deployed by the State Operations Center (SOC) under the direction of the Chief, Division of Emergency Management (GDEM), as required to support local jurisdictions in the event of a catastrophic incident. The operationally ready response teams are recruited from local jurisdictions and coordinated with other State Agencies. The teams are made from identified public works disciplines and will function under Memorandums of Understanding and the Texas Statewide Mutual Aid System.

Required Training

Before becoming an active PWRT member, enhance your extensive experience and expertise by completing the following required online training at: http://training.fema.gov/nrfres_IS.asp

You also are encouraged to complete the classroom-based training required for leaders and district or state liaison positions. Those classes are:

You can complete these classes through GDEM, TEEX, the Texas Forest Service (TFS), local fire departments, or private vendors. Click on the link of your choice below:

Contact Information

Point of Contact: Tony Alotto Phone: 800-824-7303 Email: eupwti@teexmail.tamu.edu

Downloads and Links

To download and print out the PWRT Brochure, click the link below.

PWRT Brochure

To download and print out the Public Works Specialist Registration Form, click the link below.

PWRT Public Works Specialist Registration Form

To download and print out the Resource Team Registration Form, click the link below.

PWRT Resource Team Registration Form

To view the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) Website, click the link below.

GDEM Website

To view the GDEM Disaster Reservist Program Website, click the link below.

GDEM Disaster Reservist Program Website


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