FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is planning to inspect Hurricane Harvey damage in Texas starting on Sept. 5, wrapped into a visit to the state that he already had planned for early September.
"Working in close coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the FCC will do everything it can to help restore communications services after this terrible storm," Pai said in a statement today. "I look forward to meeting those on the ground in Texas and seeing firsthand what needs to be done to make sure that those affected can get back on their feet as quickly as possible."
The agency promised more specific information about Pai's trip closer to the date. He will meet with people engaged in recovery activities, the commission said. The storm has caused damage to communications services throughout the area.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel flagged today on Twitter a letter from Houston officials to the FCC, requesting enhanced wireless emergency alerts. "For shame wasn't done before," Rosenworcel tweeted.
Pai is slated to speak at a Radio Show luncheon in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 6. He also is scheduled to speak on net neutrality at an event on Sept. 7 in Irving, Texas, hosted by the Institute for Policy Innovation, with the cost of tables going at $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the tier purchased.