Governor Abbott Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration Following Severe Weather In Texas

January 13, 2020 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for three Texas counties that sustained widespread damage due to severe thunderstorms, straight line winds, hail, and tornadoes from October 20th through October 21st, 2019. The request includes Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation for those impacted by this weather. The three counties included in the request are Cameron, Dallas, and Erath. 

"The State of Texas is committed to ensuring the people of Cameron, Dallas, and Erath counties have the resources they need to continue rebuilding the public infrastructure," said Governor Abbott. "With the help of our federal partners, these communities can rebuild quickly and gain access to important recovery resources. I ask that the President swiftly grant this request in order to expedite valuable support to these counties."

If granted, local jurisdictions will be eligible for federal reimbursement for the cost of disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures to protect life and property, and permanent repair work to damaged or destroyed infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water treatment facilities, parks and publicly-owned property.

Read the letter