The federal government has partially approved Texas’request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
On May 15, Texas sent a letter requesting approval for Federal Emergency ManagementAgency (FEMA) support programs to assist individuals and counties harmed by recent storms. Since April 26, severe weather and flooding has caused more than $58 million in damage to public infrastructure and taken multiple lives.
The partial approval allows Texas residents and governing bodies to apply for emergency financial assistance through the FEMA Individual Assistance Program (IAP) and Public Assistance Program (PAP). The federal government partially approved the IAP for Texas on May 17, and later amended the disaster declaration May 23, for PAP approval.
The federal government approved seven out of 28 counties to be eligible for the PAP. The remaining counties are still under review. Counties can use PAP funds to repair and replace damaged infrastructure from the storms. The funds could be used for debris removal, emergency protective measures, roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities, parks, recreational and other facilities.
IAP funds can be used for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment assistance and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster.
The federal government approved 15 counties to take part in the assistance program. In addition, the federal government authorized additional FEMA resources and small business disaster support for the approved counties.