Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request the inclusion of additional counties in President Donald J. Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration due to severe flooding that began last week. The request includes five counties—Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson—for eligibility in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance programs. Four counties—Kendall, Kimble, Menard, and San Saba—are requested for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

"The State of Texas continues to stand with those impacted by the devastating flooding across the state," stated Governor Abbott. "Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to request additional counties be added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration as they work to heal and recover. I thank President Trump and his Administration for their swift and continued support. Texas will continue to deploy all available resources and support to help those impacted until the job is done."

Damage assessments indicate that Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties meet federal criteria for disaster assistance and could qualify for federal financial aid related to disaster expenses. Texans can apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. More counties may be added as further assessments are conducted.

Additionally, Kendall, Kimble, Menard, and San Saba counties also meet criteria for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program which aids emergency work and repairs or replaces damaged facilities. Additional counties might be included based on new information.

President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County following recent floods allowing affected residents access to grant funding for repair and recovery.

The declaration also enables access to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program for physical and economic losses in eligible counties.

Governor Abbott continues providing necessary resources to local officials managing flood responses:

- Directing ongoing state flood response

- Announcing disaster unemployment assistance

- Surveying damage areas

- Updating on state flood responses

- Securing federal disaster assistance approval

- Amending state disaster declarations

- Enhancing readiness levels at the State Operations Center