Sweetwater Preps for Worst-Case Weather Catastrophes

SWEETWATER, TX –– Even as West Texas has faced a relatively mild winter, the memory of last year's devastating snowstorms remains fresh in people's minds.

In an effort to prevent major power outages in the future, the City of Sweetwater has purchased seven new generators. Using funds from the American Rescue Plan Fund, the city will spend approximately $1.5 million.

“Although we cleared that hurdle pretty well, in my opinion, that's not always going to be the case,” said City Manager David Vela. "We understand that so we've got to be prepared to do what we can now to make sure that we are 100% Ready for the next winter storm.”

The generators will help the major components of the city's infrastructure remain in operation during a major weather event. 

"Power is required at the wells stations and so they will supply power to the wells to keep them running,” said Vela. “And then our pump station once the water gets from the wellfield to the pump station. The pump station has to have electricity as well.”