“I want to thank all the first responders, volunteers, and our fellow Texans for the swift and effective response to the floods,” said Governor Abbott “We are now transitioning into the process of cleanup and rebuilding. The state is working with local officials to expedite debris removal and accelerate the rebuilding process. We have identified about 490 homes that sustained damage. If you want to donate to assist your fellow Texans who have been affected by these horrific floods, please go to rebuildtx.org.”

Governor Abbott conducted an aerial assessment of flood damage across the Kerrville area, observing impacts to neighborhoods, roadways, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. The Governor was joined by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd and Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer for the aerial assessment.

Following the aerial tour, Governor Abbott met with emergency management officials to receive the latest updates on search and rescue operations, debris removal, infrastructure restoration, and recovery efforts. He reaffirmed that the State of Texas is providing all necessary resources, including personnel, aircraft, boats, high-water vehicles, and other assets, to support local response efforts and assist affected families. The Governor also urged Texans in impacted areas to continue monitoring local forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and follow guidance from state and local officials.

The Governor was joined at the press conference by TDEM Chief Kidd, General Suelzer, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, local emergency management officials, and other state, and local leaders supporting response and recovery efforts.

Texans can find the latest flood resources, preparedness information, and recovery assistance at disaster.texas.gov and TexasReady.gov. Current road conditions are available at DriveTexas.org.

The State of Texas remains in an elevated response posture and will continue working closely with local, state, and federal partners until the threat has passed and communities are on the path to full recovery.

Pool footage of the Governor’s aerial tour is being provided to members of the press for redistribution courtesy of SBGTV. That footage can be found here.

Additional photos will be provided here when available.

“The Uvalde Community was hit very hard, but its residents are strong and resilient,” said Governor Abbott. “I am requesting a major disaster declaration for 28 counties to provide federal relief and help in the rebuilding process of this region. More counties can be added as needed. I am incredibly thankful to all the first responders for their swift and effective response to save lives.”

Governor Abbott visited the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center, where he received a briefing on current flood conditions, response operations, and recovery efforts. The Governor also met with first responders and emergency personnel and thanked them for their continued work to protect Texans and assist impacted communities.

As of today, more than 2,700 personnel and 1,500 vehicles, aircraft, and other assets and resources have been deployed to help communities across the state. Texas has rescued more than 270 people since response efforts began. Governor Abbott warned that severe weather, as well as additional flooding, may continue to impact the state and urged Texans in Uvalde, Zavala, Dimmit, Sutton, and Crockett counties to remain weather aware.

The Governor was joined by Representative Don McLaughlin, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Uvalde County Commissioner Roy Kothmann, and other state, local, and federal emergency management officials.

State agencies continue to distribute resources and information to affected local communities. Governor Abbott urges Texans to continue to monitor the weather, make an emergency plan, listen to emergency officials, and to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Texans are encouraged to find resources and report any flood damage at Disaster.Texas.Gov.

Additional photos will be provided here when available.

“Texas is where the American dream lives,” said Governor Abbott. “Because in Texas, freedom is a magnet for innovation and prosperity is the reward for hard work. That is why jobs grow in Texas and why Texas continues to lead for business investment and population growth. With the best business climate and strongest workforce in the nation, Texas’ robust jobs economy will fuel expanded opportunity for generations of Texans to come.” 

June labor market data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows:

• Texas reached a new high of 14,469,600 total nonfarm jobs after a gain of 43,400 jobs in June.
• Texas gained 177,900 jobs from June 2025 to June 2026 and outpaced the annual job growth rate for the U.S. as a whole.
• Texans working, including self-employed Texans, totaled 15,203,600.
• The Texas labor force totaled 15,904,900 with a gain of 29,700 people over the last 12-month period.

On Thursday, Governor Abbott announced Saronic Technologies, Inc. will construct a next-generation shipyard, expected to be the largest shipyard in the country, called Port Alpha at the Port of Brownsville for the manufacture of medium- and large-class autonomous and autonomy-capable vessels. The Port Alpha shipyard and advanced manufacturing facility represents a capital investment of $3,248,000,000 and will create 10,000 new jobs.

Jana Hall of Sweetwater is an entrepreneur with prior experience working in human resources at American Funds and Fidelity Investments. She is a former trustee for Sweetwater ISD, former member of Sweetwater Parent Teacher Organization, and former local troop leader for Girl Scouts of America. Hall received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University.

Cassidy Estes of Amarillo is an educator at Amarillo Independent School District (AISD). She is a campus representative for the Association of Texas Professional Educators and the AISD Consultation Committee and a member of Elevate Amarillo and Saint Stephen Church. Estes received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas State University.

Kathy Ward of Plano most recently served as an appointee on the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and previously served as a Commissioner for Collin County Precinct 4, the first women to do so. Additionally, she was a special education teacher for Plano Independent School District, former Dale Carnegie Instructor, and spent over a decade as a morning radio talk show cohost. She has been a lifelong volunteer and held various volunteer roles serving on numerous school advisory boards, foundations and organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Special Olympics. She is a recipient of the Class of 2025 Plano Women of Inspiration award and a graduate of Leadership Plano Class XIV. Ward received a Bachelor of Science in Education from University of North Texas.

Andrea Tirey of Lubbock is the senior associate athletics director at Texas Tech University (TTU) and is a partner at Primitive, a marketing agency based in Lubbock. Additionally, she was formerly a legislative aide to the late Texas State Representative Buddy West. She is deeply engaged in the Lubbock community and holds board and advisory roles with several arts, education, and civic organizations, including Buddy Holly Hall, the Lubbock Symphony Guild, the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health Community Advisory Board, and One Voice Home. Additionally, she is a member of the All-Saints Episcopal School Board of Trustees, graduate of Leadership Texas, a women's leadership development program, and co-founder of Mahjong Monday, an annual charity event that raises funds for organizations supporting women and children in the Lubbock community. Tirey received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Higher Education from TTU.

Hasan Mack ("Mack") of Austin is an attorney at McCall, Parkhurst & Horton L.L.P. ("McCall"). He serves as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, and underwriter's counsel for state agencies, political subdivisions, and institutions of higher education advising such entities on federal and state securities laws relevant to their municipal security transactions. He has previously served on the Texas Bond Review Board and is currently a member of the State Bar of Texas, the National Association of Bond Lawyers, a Director for the Texas Lyceum and an Advisory Council Member for the Center on Municipal Markets at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. In 2018, Governor Abbott appointed Mack to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, where he most recently served as Chairman of the Board of Regents. Mack received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, magna cum laude, and a Juris Doctor from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, magna cum laude.

Deborah “Debbie” Gray Marino of San Antonio is the senior vice president of corporate relations at SWBC, where she leads national, state, and local engagement with nonprofit, trade, civic and other corporate industry organizations. She volunteers as an advisor to the Alamo Leadership Council, Women United of United Way of Bexar County, Early Matters, and greater: SATX. Marino received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Texas A&M University.

“Robert Howden has served Texas with distinction in four Republican governors’ administrations,” said Governor Abbott. “I have full confidence he will excel as Secretary of State. His experience in the legislative process and extensive public service have prepared him to protect the integrity of Texas elections and represent our state with strength on the global stage. Texas will benefit from his distinguished leadership.”

The Secretary of State serves as Chief Election Officer for Texas, assisting county election officials and ensuring the uniform application and interpretation of election laws throughout Texas. The Office of the Secretary of State also provides a repository for official business and commercial records required to be filed with the Office. The Secretary publishes government rules and regulations and commissions notaries public. The Secretary also serves as keeper of the state seal and attestor to the Governor's signature on official documents.

In addition, the Secretary serves as Senior Advisor and Liaison to the Governor for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs and as Chief International Protocol Officer for Texas.

Robert S. Howden of Austin is a Senior Advisor and the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Office of the Governor. Previously, he was an independent legislative and public affairs consultant. Prior to forming his consulting business, he served Governor Rick Perry as Communications Director and Senior Advisor and oversaw the Governor’s Task Force on Economic Development Growth. Additionally, he led the National Federation of Independent Business Texas and, prior to this role, served on Governor Bill Clements’ staff and the Texas Department of Commerce. He is a member of the University of Texas (UT) Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee, former Chairman of the Texas Exes Legislative Committee, and former member of the Texas Exes Board of Directors. Additionally, he is on the Austin Club Board and served on the Advisory Board of the Helping Hand Home for Children, and the Austin Junior League Advisory Board. Howden received a Bachelor of Science from UT at Austin.

“Protecting life remains our top priority as we work through extraordinarily record-breaking-rain,” said Governor Abbott. “Life-threatening catastrophic flooding remains our main risk tonight. We have deployed over 2,350 state emergency responders, along with more than 1,400 vehicles, and we will continue deploying every resource necessary to assist local communities. Texans must be diligent to avoid rising water on roadways.” 

During the briefing, Governor Abbott received updates on the current flood impact and the states' ongoing response efforts. The Governor urged Texans to heed safety warnings from state and local officials, never drive through flooded roadways, and reminded Texans to "Turn Around, Don't Drown." The Governor also directed state agencies to remain fully engaged and ensure all necessary resources are in place to support affected communities as dangerous flooding continues across parts of the Texas Hill Country, Central and South Texas. Additionally, Texans in the Permian Basin, the Concho Valley, the Edwards Plateau, and the Trans Pecos must remain weather aware overnight. 

The Governor was joined at the briefing and press conference by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Marc Williams, Texas Parks and Wildlife Colonel Ron VanderRoest, Texas Department of Public Safety Lieutenant Colonel Jason Taylor, and other state and federal emergency response officials. 

Response efforts remain ongoing as state agencies continue coordinating with local partners to provide assistance where it is needed most. Texans should remain weather aware, monitor local alerts, follow directions from emergency officials, and never drive through flooded roadways. As severe weather continues, Texans can check road conditions, navigate available state resources, and report damages at Disaster.Texas.Gov.

Turn Around, Don't Drown. 

Additional photos will be provided here when available. 

“Today marks history with the announcement of the most advanced shipyard in the entire world,” said Governor Abbott. “When this shipyard gets fully built out, there will be about 10,000 employees. Saronic is going to be providing about $750 million in annual paychecks to Texans. That’s game-changing for the population of Texas. As Governor, I’m proud that Saronic calls Texas home.”

The Port Alpha shipyard and advanced manufacturing facility represents a capital investment of $3,248,000,000 and will create 10,000 new jobs. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $80 million and a $78,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus have been extended to Saronic. The shipyard is also a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.

Founded in Austin in 2022, Saronic Technologies combines advanced autonomy software with fast, scalable domestic manufacturing to deliver autonomous maritime systems that extend the reach, capability, and efficiency of defense and commercial fleets.

“America's maritime future depends on our ability to build again,” said Saronic Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas. “Port Alpha is our commitment to that mission. Built from the ground up to deliver ships at a speed and scale not seen since World War II, this investment is about more than constructing a shipyard. It is about rebuilding the industrial capacity, workforce, and manufacturing advantage required to ensure American maritime leadership for decades to come. The state of Texas and city of Brownsville give us the foundation to turn that vision into reality."

Saronic chose Texas for this expansion based on workforce availability, infrastructure readiness, land scale, logistics, and expansion potential. Saronic will work with the State of Texas, Cameron County, regional technical colleges, and state university systems to develop workforce training and apprenticeship programs designed to sustain long-term industrial growth and position South Texas as a center of excellence for advanced maritime manufacturing.

During his remarks, Governor Abbott declared that Texas is the new leader in American shipbuilding, driven by major investments from Saronic in Brownsville and Davie Defense in Galveston. He highlighted that Texas is leading the world on land, at sea, and in space — from advanced manufacturing and national security to the Texas Stock Exchange, SpaceX, and the Texas Space Commission. The Governor also emphasized Texas’ central role in rebuilding America’s domestic maritime industrial base and strengthening the nation’s security. The future of American strength will be built in Texas.

“This investment is a defining moment for the Port of Brownsville, Cameron County, the entire Rio Grande Valley, and all of Senate District 27,” said Senator Adam Hinojosa. “Texas has long led the nation in energy, manufacturing, and innovation, and our Gulf Coast will now play a key role in strengthening our industrial base and national security. Building the next generation of autonomous maritime technology in South Texas creates opportunity for our communities while helping ensure the United States remains prepared for future challenges. I appreciate Governor Abbott’s leadership in securing this project, and I thank Saronic for choosing Texas as the home for this significant investment. I look forward to its lasting impact on our region and our nation.”

“We're pleased to welcome Saronic to Cameron County," said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. “Saronic's investment marks a significant milestone for our county as it expands the shipbuilding industry to South Texas and aims to create 10,000 new jobs. This project will strengthen our local economy by creating new opportunities for working families, supporting small businesses, and driving long-term growth throughout Cameron County and the region."

“Having Saronic in our community is a historic moment for our region and a game changer for our students,” said Point Isabel Independent School District Superintendent Teri Capistran. “Families in the Rio Grande Valley are among the most economically disadvantaged in the state of Texas, but education remains the greatest equalizer that breaks cycles of poverty in families and generations. By partnering with Saronic, our students will now have the unprecedented opportunity to earn advanced degrees, gain cutting edge skills, and secure high-paying careers right here at home.”

“Saronic Technologies’ investment is yet another once-in-a-lifetime project that will significantly change and transform the economic landscape of Brownsville as well as South Texas,” said Greater Brownsville EDC President & CEO Gilberto Salinas. “In addition to creating high value-add jobs, it will expand opportunities for our residents but more importantly, Saronic will inspire the next generation of engineers and young professionals. We look forward to partnering in their long-term success as they become part of Brownsville’s next chapter.”

View more information about Saronic.

TEF is a performance-based grant, administered by the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor, that may be awarded to a business relocation or expansion project for which one Texas site is in competition with out-of-state locations to create new, good-paying jobs in the community and attract significant new capital investment to the state.

Governor Abbott signed House Bill 5 into law following the 88th Regular Legislative Session, creating the JETI program to attract large, capital-intensive economic development projects that bring new capital investment and create new, good-paying Texas jobs while ensuring robust reporting and transparency.

Additional photos of the announcement will be provided here when available.