Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for communities in Northeast Texas affected by severe weather. The declaration would enable federal assistance through disaster loans for Morris County and neighboring counties.

"Today, I requested a disaster declaration for Texans in Morris County and the surrounding area who were impacted by severe weather and tornadoes," Governor Abbott stated. He emphasized that the approval would allow access to low-interest loans to aid Texans in rebuilding their homes and businesses. He also acknowledged the Texas Division of Emergency Management's collaboration with local officials to ensure eligibility for financial assistance.

Should the State of Texas's request receive approval, the SBA would offer low-interest loans through its disaster programs to eligible Texans. The assistance would focus on those whose properties suffered damage during events such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, and straight-line winds.

Governor Abbott's decision is based on a damage assessment carried out by local, state, and federal officials in the affected areas, confirming that Morris County meets the criteria for SBA aid. This assessment also incorporated data from the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) surveys, where Texans self-reported disaster damage.

Governor Abbott has been actively seeking to provide support to communities impacted by severe weather. Efforts include requesting joint preliminary damage assessments for homes and businesses and activating state emergency response resources in preparation for severe weather and potential flash floods.