Commission To Rebuild Texas After Hurricane Harvey Update: Issue 26

August 3, 2018 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

“A storm the magnitude of Hurricane Harvey could have ripped us apart, but instead it pulled us together and proved that no force is more powerful than the Texas spirit. We salute the heroes of Hurricane Harvey who stepped up... I thank these brave men and women for answering a higher calling, and for putting their lives on the line when they were needed most.”

─ Governor Greg Abbott

Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas

• Governor Abbott joined the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce gala honoring Hurricane Harvey heroes and first responders in Houston. The Governor thanked all those involved in response and recovery efforts for their bravery during the storm, as well as the entire Houston community for their resilience as rebuilding continues.
• Hurricane season runs through November. Governor Abbott reminds Texans to review their property’s flood risk and current insurance coverage, and to consider whether a separate flood policy should be part of their home protection plan. Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before taking effect. Visit FloodSmart.gov to find more information.
• A reminder from FEMA: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) proof of loss deadline to file for flood damages is one year from the date of loss. For more information, call the NFIP Call Center at 800-427-4661.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that agricultural producers affected by Hurricane Harvey may apply now through Nov. 16, 2018, for assistance to help recover and rebuild their farming operations. The 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) was authorized by Congress earlier this year in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. For more information, contact your local USDA service center or visit www.farmers.gov/recover/whip. 
• FEMA has awarded more than $6.2 million to TxDOT for support activities following Hurricane Harvey. The department set up temporary base camps in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Sugarland, Beaumont, Refugio, Yoakum and Liberty to provide lodging and meals to first responders and emergency officials after Harvey’s landfall. This funding comes from FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program, which reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster.
• FEMA released the 2017 Hurricane Season FEMA After-Action Report examining the agency’s performance during the record breaking season. Last year, hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria devastated the nation at a time when FEMA was already supporting 692 federally declared disasters. The report identified 18 key findings across five focus areas and offered targeted recommendations for FEMA improvements, as well as broader lessons for partners throughout the emergency management community.

Housing

• Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced $45,980,638 in funds to rehabilitate, reconstruct and construct affordable multi-family rental housing damaged by Hurricane Harvey in Brazoria, Jefferson, Matagorda, Victoria and Walker counties. The money is being awarded from $250 million in Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery funding from HUD as designated in the State Action Plan for the Multi-Family Affordable Rental Property Program.
• Commissioner Bush announced HUD approved an amendment awarding $8 million in additional funds for a buyout program in Harris County for repeatedly flooded homes. The funds are being awarded from HUD's first allocation of $57.8 million in Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery funds after Hurricane Harvey.
• GLO and FEMA are advising Texans currently living in a FEMA Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) to protect family and property. MHUs are designed to be exceptionally safe and secure, but all forms of housing are at risk for damage in severe weather. Never take shelter in an MHU during high winds, a tornado, a hurricane or a flood. Stay alert to weather warnings, and always follow the guidance of local officials including evacuation orders. If your MHU is damaged due to severe weather, contact the maintenance number provided when licensed in the unit.
• Reminder: Flood insurance must be maintained to qualify for federal assistance in the future. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders with questions may call 800-621-3362, Mon. to Sat., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, visit FloodSmart.gov.
• Current housing numbers are now posted on rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker.
• TexasRebuilds.com is the housing information resource for individuals and communities.
• Follow Twitter.com/TXGLO for updates on housing recovery.

Individual Assistance

• Current individual assistance numbers are now posted on rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker.
• To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center visit fema.gov/drc, or text DRC along with a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA). Survivors also can find help by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362, logging into DisasterAssistance.gov or downloading the FEMA app fema.gov/mobile-app.
• FEMA’s Disaster Distress Helpline offers trained professionals who can help callers cope with anxiety or stress, and guide them to available resources. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential crisis support service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800-985-5990, 800-846-8517 (TTY) or text TalkWithUs (Spanish-speakers text: Hablanos) to 66746.