Texas to Get Federal Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Laura Recovery
Federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Texas to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Laura from Aug. 23-27, 2020, according to FEMA.
Federal funding is available to the state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Laura in Galveston, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton and Orange counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Jerry S. Thomas has been named as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
Gov. Greg Abbott had made the request for a major disaster declaration in September.
According to the governor’s office, the major disaster declaration includes public assistance for debris removal (Category A), emergency protective measures (Category B), and permanent work (Categories C-G) for Galveston, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, and Orange Counties. The declaration also includes access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
“I thank President Trump for issuing a Major Disaster Declaration for five of the Texas counties that were affected by Hurricane Laura,” Abbott said in a statement. “The President’s declaration opens up new recovery resources and crucial assistance that will help Texas communities rebuild from this storm.”