Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has amended and renewed a drought disaster proclamation originally issued on July 8, 2022. This decision follows confirmation from the Texas Division of Emergency Management that exceptional drought conditions continue to affect several counties.

Abbott's proclamation declares a disaster in numerous counties including Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Colorado, Comal, Culberson among others. The list extends to include counties such as Travis and Williamson.

The governor is exercising his authority under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code. He authorizes the use of all available state government resources and political subdivisions necessary to manage this disaster under Section 418.017.

Additionally, Abbott permits the suspension of regulatory statutes or rules that might delay necessary actions for coping with the disaster upon written approval from his office. Specifically mentioned is the potential suspension of statutes related to contracting or procurement if they impede emergency responses required to protect life or property.

This action was officially signed by Governor Abbott in Austin on May 21st and attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson.