Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed a disaster proclamation originally issued on July 8, 2022. The proclamation addresses the ongoing exceptional drought conditions in several Texas counties. According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, these conditions persist.

In line with Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott declared a disaster in numerous counties including Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron and many others.

Governor Abbott stated: "I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster." This authorization is pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code.

Furthermore, any regulatory statute or rule that could hinder necessary actions in coping with this disaster may be suspended upon written approval from the Office of the Governor. Governor Abbott emphasized: "To the extent that enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response... I hereby authorize the suspension."

The proclamation was signed by Governor Abbott on July 21st in Austin and attested by Secretary of State David Nelson.