Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott held a briefing and press conference at the Spur Arena to discuss Texas' ongoing response to severe flooding. Prior to these events, he visited a Disaster Recovery Center to meet with affected families, first responders, and volunteers.

"In a disaster, saving lives is the first and foremost thing that anybody should prioritize," said Governor Abbott. "Our first responders have stepped up and saved so many lives across the entire region. We will continue the search for everybody that was affected by these devastating floods. At the same time, we are working with local officials and the community to go through the many stages of the recovery process. Texas is going to remain working in Tom Green County and across the state until the recovery is complete."

Governor Abbott began his visit in San Angelo by thanking first responders, law enforcement, and volunteers for their efforts during the floods. He also met with families at the center seeking resources provided by state agencies and local officials.

During his press conference, Governor Abbott mentioned individual and public assistance available from state and federal government for those impacted by flooding. He emphasized work done by local first responders who acted quickly to protect Texans. Additionally, he discussed an agenda for an upcoming special session focused on improving early warning systems and emergency communication across Texas communities.

Joining Governor Abbott were Senator Charles Perry, Representative Drew Darby, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter, San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson, San Angelo Fire Department Chief Patrick Brody, among other officials.

Officials are reviewing disaster damage information reported through TDEM's Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. Impacted Texans are encouraged to report damage when safe via damage.tdem.texas.gov to help connect them with resources.

Governor Abbott continues providing necessary resources locally in response to flooding:

- Updating state’s disaster declaration including five more counties

- Announcing federal approval for three counties added to President Trump's Major Disaster Declaration

- Making 26 additional counties eligible for SNAP hot foods

- Surveying flood damage in Texas Hill Country with General Steven Nordhaus

- Requesting addition of three counties for Major Disaster Declaration

- Announcing $5 million funding through Texas Micro-Business Disaster Recovery Loan Program

- Announcing over $1.9 million grant funding for hospitals in Kerrville and Llano affected by floods

- Touring flood damage in Leander; updating Central Texas response efforts

- Receiving federal disaster assistance approval for more communities

- Requesting five more counties be added under Presidential Disaster Declaration

- Visiting impacted Texans alongside President Trump in Kerrville

- Launching new Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line

- Obtaining federal disaster assistance approval as part of Major Disaster Declaration

- Amending state's disaster declaration adding more counties; updating emergency response status

- Providing updates on flood response around Kerr County communities

- Increasing readiness level at State Operations Center; activating additional emergency resources ahead heavy rainfall threats

- Deploying state emergency response resources preemptively against rain/flood threats