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Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration to Unlock FEMA Public Assistance for 19 Texas Counties

Federal reimbursements for local governments will begin during the state-led damage assessment process.

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A construction crew clears flood debris from the roadside along Goat Creek Road near the Interstate 10 exit in Kerrville on Aug. 4. President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for the area, which will make some federal funding available for local governments.
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Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference Monday afternoon at the Texas Department of Emergency Management headquarters in Austin about a tropical depression that later strengthened into Tropical Storm Edouard. It is expected to move into southeast Texas on Tuesday.

Overview

  • The president approved a Major Disaster Declaration that makes FEMA Public Assistance available to 19 South Central Texas counties, a move announced by Gov. Greg Abbott on Sept. 3.
  • FEMA’s Public Assistance covers emergency work and repair or replacement of damaged public facilities and is intended to reimburse local governments for eligible expenses.
  • Requests for FEMA Individual Assistance for residents remain pending, leaving homeowners and renters waiting for decisions on temporary housing, home repairs and personal losses.
  • Texas ordered a preliminary damage assessment in Bexar County after an Aug. 28 windstorm and the U.S. Small Business Administration will join state and local officials to determine whether more federal aid is needed.
  • Local recovery was hindered by the nearly seven-week delay in federal action, officials continue to investigate three suspected storm-related drownings, and measured winds of 55–65+ mph caused wide power outages and property damage.