Texas set to receive federal disaster aid following recent storms

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that President Trump has approved $50 million in federal disaster assistance as part of a Major Disaster Declaration, following severe weather and flooding that impacted communities across the state in July, according to a news release.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved its Public Assistance program, including assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, for 19 counties: Bandera, Crockett, Dimmit, Edwards, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Mason, Maverick, Menard, Real, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Zavala County.  The Governor’s request for Public Assistance for 9 additional counties remains pending.

“I thank President Trump for his approval of this Major Disaster Declaration,” said Abbott.  “Federal public assistance is now available in 19 Texas counties damaged by the July storms and floods.  Local officials will now have needed resources to recover and rebuild.  Texas will deliver every available resources to affected communities.”

The Governor’s request for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program for 30 affected counties remains pending.  FEMA’s Individual Assistance program funding assists with expenses such as temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance, and medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster.  Additionally, a request from Texas to authorize more FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources statewide remains pending.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. addressed the announcement on Facebook, saying it remains unclear what the funding will mean for Kerrville and Kerr County.  The Hill Country previously received an emergency declaration following the July floods, but funding under that declaration was capped at $5 million.

Details have not yet been released on when the $50 million will become available, which communities will receive funding or how much each area could get.