Corrie Bowen’s work on emergency management after hurricanes Ike and Rita cited
HOUSTON – Corrie Bowen, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agricultural and natural resource agent for Brazoria County, has been honored with one of the agency’s highest recognitions.
The Superior Service Award is presented to staff who demonstrate outstanding performance or who provide exceptional service to AgriLife Extension, an educational outreach agency of the Texas A&M University System, according to the award guidelines.
The award committee cited his broad range of programming, with strong emphasis on his work in emergency management after hurricanes Ike and Rita.
Specifically, the award committee listed Bowen’s aid in responding to rescue livestock and aid in locating hay and feed after the devastating natural disasters.
According to the committee, Bowen arranged for the delivery of more than 1,500 square bales and ten semi-trailer loads of big round bales to Brazoria and Galveston counties; surveyed damage and livestock conditions by helicopter following the hurricanes; liaised with Habitat for Horses; identified 767 resources for reentry into Brazoria County; and trained 854 residents for disaster preparedness in 2010.
L.M. “Matt” Sebesta Jr., Brazoria County Commissioner, said in his letter of recommendation, “Corrie has continually demonstrated his commitment to ensure that agricultural producers are provided with the best information during a natural disaster. He is an asset to Brazoria County and the entire Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M system.”
Steve Rosa, deputy emergency management coordinator for Brazoria County wrote: “The program and leadership with the Cattleman’s Association has proven to me that developing emergency management resources through the local private sector is paramount. Their enthusiasm to support his mission, with not only supplies and equipment but a labor force willing to complete those missions, is exceptional.”
Bowen was also recognized for his annual Brazoria County Legislative Ag and his Urban Rancher Landowner series, which had an estimated economic benefit of more than $430,000 for the county over five years.
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