San Antonio – In a swift response to the catastrophic flooding that battered central Texas in July, President Trump has signed a Major Disaster Declaration covering 19 counties. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the action Thursday, emphasizing that the federal assistance will help communities rebuild critical infrastructure and support residents still reeling from the storm.
Federal aid now available for 19 counties
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized Public Assistance for the following counties: Bandera, Crockett, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Mason, Maverick, Menard, Real, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Zavala. This funding will be used to cover emergency response costs and the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the floods.
Additional assistance pending
Abbott noted that requests for Public Assistance involving nine more counties remain under review, as do Individual Assistance applications for residents in 30 counties. Individual Assistance can provide eligible homeowners and renters with temporary housing, emergency home repairs, coverage for uninsured or underinsured property losses, and assistance with certain medical, dental, and funeral expenses.
How Texans can get help
State officials continue to evaluate damage reports submitted through the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool. Residents and business owners who suffered losses are urged to file their claims promptly so officials can accurately gauge the disaster’s scope and connect affected communities with the resources they need.
Governor Abbott’s next steps
Governor Abbott praised the Trump administration’s rapid response, stating that the disaster declarations demonstrate a commitment to Texas families and the resilience of local communities. He also indicated that the state will continue to coordinate with FEMA and other federal partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
The July floods caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, schools, and public utilities across the affected counties. While the water has receded, many residents still face displaced living conditions and significant property loss. The newly approved federal assistance is expected to accelerate recovery efforts and help restore essential services.
Local officials are urging citizens to stay informed about available resources, attend community meetings hosted by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and follow safety guidelines as cleanup and rebuilding continue.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
