KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Kaufman County officials east of Dallas have issued a disaster declaration ahead of the April 8 total solar eclipse, which is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of people to North Texas.
The move is aimed at freeing up resources "to adequately protect the citizens of Kaufman County," according to Kaufman County Judge Jakie Allen's letter.
The declaration will run from April 5-9.
Allen also sent a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, requesting a state disaster declaration " to make more state assets available should they be needed," a county news release said.
Kaufman County officials said they expected around 200,000 visitors to the county for the eclipse viewing. North Texas is the largest metro area in the direct path of the eclipse, which will happen on the afternoon of April 8.
Areas in the direct path of the eclipse totality will see over four minutes of darkness.
In Kaufman County specifically, the cities of Kaufman and Terrell are on the centerline of the eclipse "and will draw the most viewers to those areas," officials said.
"This dramatic increase in population, even for a short time, will greatly impact our Public Safety agencies, taxing their ability to respond to calls. Law enforcement, Fire, EMS, Emergency Management, and many other agencies have been meeting for several months to prepare for this event," the release said. "The single greatest concern is the traffic and potential gridlock as the eclipse ends."
Ellis County, which is also in the direct path of the eclipse, has also considered issuing a disaster declaration.
A disaster declaration allows counties to mobilize local funds and resources in preparation for the influx of visitors. Travis County issued one earlier this month; 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.
