ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — Ellis County Judge Todd Little and county commissioners are considering a disaster declaration ahead of April 8th's widely anticipated total solar eclipse. Still, Little told WFAA that the county isn't rushing to make a decision, and it may not be needed at this time.
The county is expected to have some of the most extended durations of darkness during the eclipse in the United States and is expecting between 50,000 to 200,000 visitors from around the nation and the world.
Ennis is the city with the most extended duration in the area, with 4 minutes and 23 seconds expected. Compare that to Dallas, which expects 3 minutes and 49 seconds.
- --Ennis, 4 mins 23 seconds.
- --Waxahachie 4min 19 seconds.
- --Red Oak, 4 min 15 seconds.
- --Midlothian 4 min 4 seconds.
A disaster declaration would allow the county to mobilize local funds and resources in preparation for the influx of visitors. Travis County issued one on Friday--part of it requires anyone hosting a viewing party of 50 or more to register with the county so officials can estimate crowd sizes and position emergency resources efficiently.
Travis County expects between 100,000 and 1 million visitors, County Judge Andy Brown said Friday. Even so, Austin's duration is expected to be just 1 minute and 44 seconds. Passionate eclipse enthusiasts are more likely expected to head to Ellis County.
Hotels in Ennis are already booked for the event, and folks are expected to stay for multiple days. The school district has also canceled school for the day.
Ennis City Manager Marty Nelson told WFAA Friday night that he has been planning for the event for months and meeting regularly to prepare for the 'crush of people.'
Nelson said Ennis would operate its Emergency Operations Center around the clock and plans to double the number of ground ambulances in town. He also added that staffing for the fire and police departments would be doubled.
An air ambulance will be stationed at the Ennis Regional Medical Center. Nelson also said that emergency teams will be at each city park.
Ennis hosts thousands during the National Polka Festival and the Bluebonnet Festival and Trails. Around 30,000 descend on the town for a weekend for the Polka Festival.
Little reiterated that the county has also been planning for the event extensively.
"Our emergency management staff is working with our sheriff's department, which is working with the cities of Ennis, Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Red Oak to ensure that we address concerns. We're also leaning on DPS partners," Little said.
"A disaster declaration warns everyone that there could be a danger to life and property. When you do have damage that occurs--that declaration is responsible for getting reimbursements from emergency agencies like TDEM," he said. "But we don't see this as that type of a large-scale relief system because we're talking about something that won't last that long."
Ellis County's vast open space is a plus for catering a massive viewing party looking toward the sun; Little acknowledges that. He said this will allow people to spread out, but he's still very concerned about traffic. Other cities like Austin have mentioned that, too.
Little's biggest fear is that emergency vehicles won't be able to get from place to place.
"When you go back and study that eclipse that happened in Wyoming, they had traffic and sanitary issues," Little said. "There will be medical issues that come up if we have up to 200,000 new people in the county. We want to ensure that we care for people's lives and have the ambulance services available and ready to go."
Little also encouraged folks to get groceries and gas before the eclipse because traffic issues may arise.
There's also the chance that the forecast may make the day kaput. Any chances of rain or clouds could force folks elsewhere in the state where the eclipse can be seen.
Little said that a decision on a disaster declaration may be made closer to the event when the forecast is more precise if necessary.
"We've still got time on any type of declaration," Little said. "This is going to be a great event. We may throw a little party on the courthouse square to get everybody out to see it."