Federal Disaster Declaration approved for recent Texas flooding

AUSTIN, Texas — President Trump has approved federal disaster assistance for the recent flooding in Texas, Governor Abbott announced on Thursday.

The assistance is part of a Major Disaster Declaration following severe weather and flooding that impacted Texas communities in July.

According to Gov. Abbott, FEMA approved its Public Assistance program for 19 Texas counties. The program includes assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

The 19 counties approved for FEMA Public Assistance are Bandera, Crockett, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Mason, Maverick, Menard, Real, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde and Zavala.

ALSO | East Texas faces flooding as Ross Fire burns 90,000 acres

Gov. Abbott’s request for Public Assistance in nine additional counties is still pending.

Gov. Abbott also requested FEMA’s Individual Assistance program to help fund the personal expenses of Texans affected by the floods in 30 counties. The pending Individual Assistance request would help Texans cover costs such as temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured property losses and other disaster-related expenses.

“I thank President Trump for his approval of this Major Disaster Declaration,” the governor said. “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 resource to affected communities.”

Those impacted by the floods may submit their damage information to damage.tdem.texas.gov. Officials say this will help them identify impacted areas and connect Texans with resources.