Environmental Challenges and Prospects for Community Relocation in Houston and Port Arthur, Texas Proceedings of a Workshop (2022) / Chapter Skim
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3 Strategic Relocation and Environmental Perception: Community Perspectives from Port Arthur, Texas
3 Strategic Relocation and Environmental Perception: Community Perspectives from Port Arthur, Texas
Pages 29-40
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From page 29... ...
As summarized at the end of the workshop by committee member Craig Colten, much of the discussion during the second part of the workshop centered on experiences arising from hurricanes, flooding, and proximity to petroleum refineries. Most of the participants were from the west side neighborhood, which is low lying and adjacent to two major petrochemical processing facilities.
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From page 30... ...
As Port Arthur started getting hit by storms causing annual flooding, Kelley's work turned from environmental justice to fair housing and fair 2 Other facilities in the area the Huntsman Petrochemical plant, Chevron Phillips plant, Great Lakes Carbon Corporation's petroleum facility, Total Petrochemicals USA facility, Veolia incinerator facility, and BASF Fina Petrochemicals plant.
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From page 31... ...
This was because, for many, "there was nothing to go back to." Most recently, Hurricane Laura n arrowly missed Port Arthur but hit the Lake Charles area. Kelley explained how he organized a group to help cut down trees and bring generators for people suffering from heat.
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From page 32... ...
" The critical part, in her opinion, is that the government needs to look at the situation and not attach a financial value merely to the homes, because more is required to move safely. For example, after Hurricane Harvey, many homes that were not in the floodplain now are.
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From page 33... ...
After retiring in 2017, she spent more time at home and became more concerned about air pollution. She contacted Hilton Kelley to speak at a city council meeting about a fire at the local German Pellets plant that c reated smoke for months in Port Arthur.
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From page 34... ...
He had never considered leaving until his father died due to a massive heart attack after being sick. He knows many who have experienced cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions.
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From page 35... ...
She finished by mentioning that help is also needed for single elderly residents who do not have anyone to check on them before, during, and after an extreme weather event. Q&A WITH COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND AUDIENCE Managed Retreat Considerations Michelle Smith asked participants if they felt there has been enough communication regarding relocation options (e.g., where you would go, how you would get there, and what a relocation package could offer)
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From page 36... ...
Hilton Kelley agreed, adding that they made it through more robust and are now better prepared with two levels so they can be upstairs if needed. Hilton Kelley believes there is a need for carbon footprint reduction, which is "why I refuse to retreat." Hilton Kelley noted that he has seen people unite the most during disasters.
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From page 37... ...
would be the best channel to reach people about repair pro grams for their homes, managed retreat options, and relocation eligibility information. However, Hilton Kelley highlighted that it would have to be outside Port Arthur due to flooding in most of the area.
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From page 38... ...
They placed more emphasis on flood mitigation procedures -- such as drainage and pumps -- as a solution to their situation rather than managed retreat. • Inequities in the process: The participants were African Americans and pointed out numerous inequities regarding public services such
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From page 39... ...
STRATEGIC RELOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION 39 as adequate drainage and timely disaster relief. They voiced con cern that relocation plans might merely remove people of color from gentrification and allow new development at their expense, pricing them out of their homes.
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