Gov. Abbott meets with Fort Bend County officials to discuss plans to rebuild Texas

RICHMOND, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met Thursday with officials in Fort Bend County to discuss post-Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.

Abbott spoke to the media in Richmond at 4:30 p.m.

"Although the storm is over, the recovery process is just beginning, and it will require a Texas sized response," Abbott said. "This new commission, led by Chancellor Sharp, will ensure victims get everything they need, and seamlessly provide resources to these devastated communities. Texas will not rest until this process is complete, and I thank Chancellor Sharp for his leadership on this commission."

VIDEO: Gov. Greg Abbott, Fort Bend County officials discuss Harvey rebuild plans

Harvey's record-setting rains created heaps of ruined possessions that now line entire neighborhoods, nearly up to the rooftops of the homes that were swamped. All that sodden drywall, flooring, furniture, clothing and toys adds up to an estimated 8 million cubic yards in Houston alone, enough to fill up the Texans stadium two times over.

Texas and city officials have pledged to make a priority of the monumental task of cleaning it up, though they stopped short of giving specific timelines, mindful that such cleanups have dragged on longer than anticipated after other major storms.

"We want to get it removed as quickly as possible," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told reporters Thursday.

For now, the piles big and small have become evidence, of sorts, of the losses from more than 200,000 damaged homes up and down the Texas coast.

Not only are the heaps eyesores, but they are starting to give off a musty funk. And the longer they sit, officials warn, they could become havens for mold, not to mention snakes, rats, skunks and other critters. The junk could also turn into projectiles if, heaven forbid, another hurricane strikes.

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