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Governor Greg Abbott has renewed and amended a disaster proclamation concerning drought conditions in Texas. Originally issued on July 8, 2022, the proclamation has been updated multiple times due to ongoing exceptional drought conditions that continue to threaten several counties in the state.
"The Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that those same drought conditions persist in certain counties in Texas," Governor Abbott stated. As a result, he declared a disaster across numerous counties including Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron among others.
In accordance with Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott authorized "the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster."
Additionally, any regulatory statutes or rules that could hinder necessary actions during this period may be suspended upon written approval from the Office of the Governor. This includes statutes related to contracting or procurement if they impede emergency responses essential for protecting life or property.
The official documentation for this proclamation will be filed as required by statutory obligations. The announcement was made on February 21st in Austin and bears the signature of Governor Abbott along with Jane Nelson as Secretary of State.