Published: June 17, 2009 08:07 pm      

Making progress

Businesses coming in, trailers out in BC

BRIDGE CITY — Nine months after Ike, businesses are going up and trailers are moving out.

Things are improving slowly, but steadily in Bridge City, according to Mayor Kirk Roccaforte.

Although there is still much work to be done before Hurricane Ike-recovery is completed, much progress has been made.

“Everyday you will see one or two or even three FEMA trailers leaving town,” Roccaforte said. “And that’s a good thing. It means people are making progress and getting back into their homes. We still have a long way to go, but we’re getting there.”

According to Roccaforte, his current information totals indicate more than 2,000 FEMA trailers still remain in Orange County, the bulk of which are in his community. Roccaforte estimates at least 1,2000 FEMA trailers could still be in Bridge City.

“We estimate at least 500 FEMA trailers have been removed from Bridge City so far,” Roccaforte continued. “And it could be close to 600 by now.”

While many residents continue to work on their properties, many businesses are making a comeback to this Ike-ravaged city.

On Monday, a work crew began demolition of the McDonald’s location on Texas Avenue and completed removal of all debris in just a handful of hours. A new store is expected to be built and opened by the end of summer.

Also, Lightfoot Construction has started a renovation project at the Gary’s Cafe location in Bridge City, which is good news for many citizens who frequented the business prior to Hurricane Ike.

Although rumors have persisted that the business would not re-open because of financial issues or that it would become a bar and grill instead, The Orange Leader was able to confirm through an employee that Gary’s Cafe is returning to Bridge City.

A phone call to owner Keith Kovatch was not immediately returned late Wednesday.



Tommy Mann Jr. is a reporter at The Orange Leader. He can be reached at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619 or tmann@orangeleader.com