Governor Abbott Requests Disaster Assistance for Additional Counties Impacted by Severe Weather
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The Response to the Devastating Severe Weather
Austin, Texas — In response to the devastating severe weather and flooding that began on April 26, Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request that additional counties be added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration. This action aims to provide crucial assistance to Texans whose homes and businesses have been significantly damaged.
Governor Abbott's Statement
"The severe storms that swept across the state caused damage of such severity and magnitude that I am requesting eight additional counties be added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration," said Governor Abbott. "As we work to receive this crucial assistance, I encourage Texans to continue reporting damages to their homes and businesses through the iSTAT damage survey. With these additional counties added, more Texans that sustained damages from the storm to their homes or businesses will have the financial assistance they need to rebuild and recover. I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management and our first responders who are working tirelessly to protect their fellow Texans."
Counties That Have Requested Assistance
Following a thorough review of damage assessments in the impacted communities, Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd has requested that the counties of Calhoun, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, and Waller become eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance programs. Additionally, Chief Kidd has requested that Harris County become eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program. These requests are made at the Governor’s direction and based on the assessments showing that the damages exceed federal criteria for disaster assistance.
Further Assessments and Approvals
Additional counties may be added to the request as further damage assessments are completed in the affected areas. On Friday, President Biden partially approved Governor Abbott’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Texas communities impacted by the severe storms. This partial approval allows qualifying Texans in seven counties to apply for grant funding to assist with repair and recovery expenses. The declaration also authorizes additional FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources to be made available statewide and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program for physical and economic loss for the counties approved for Individual Assistance.
Importance of Full Approval
Approval of the remainder of Governor Abbott’s request would ensure that the designated counties can utilize grant funding for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged infrastructure. This full approval is crucial for providing the necessary resources for communities to rebuild and recover effectively.
State Actions and Response Efforts
Governor Abbott has taken several actions to provide all available resources to support local communities affected by severe weather, including:
Readying State Emergency Response Resources: On April 25, state emergency response resources were prepared ahead of wildfire and severe weather threats.
Issuing Disaster Declarations: A disaster declaration was issued on April 30 for counties affected by recent storms. The declaration was subsequently amended on May 2, May 7, and May 15 to include more affected areas.
Increasing Readiness Level: The State Emergency Operations Center's readiness level was increased to support local officials with requests for state assistance.
Briefings and Updates: A briefing was held on May 6 with local and state officials from impacted areas, providing updates on the state’s response efforts.
Requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration: A request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration was made on May 15 for Texas communities impacted by severe storms.
Securing Partial Approval: Partial approval of a Presidential Disaster Declaration was secured on May 17 for areas of the state affected by severe weather.
How You Can Help
As the state continues to assess the damage and the needs of affected communities, Governor Abbott emphasizes the importance of reporting damages through the iSTAT survey. Accurate reporting helps facilitate the allocation of necessary resources and assistance to those in need. For more updates on disaster assistance and other crucial information impacting your community, visit InfoDecon.com. Stay informed, stay prepared, and join the conversation about how we can work together to rebuild and recover. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and resources tailored to your needs.
References
Texas Governor's Office. (2024, May 19). Governor Abbott Requests Disaster Assistance For Additional Counties Impacted By Severe Weather. Retrieved from https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-requests-disaster-assistance-for-additional-counties-impacted-by-severe-weather
