Disaster Declaration Granted for North Texas County

A federal disaster declaration has been issued for Denton County, Texas, because of severe storms and flooding that hit the North Texas county on April 24.

Heavy winds damaged homes and businesses but no severe injuries were reported. That same day, a storm system moving across the state killed 10 people along the Texas-Mexico border when tornadoes touched down near Eagle Pass.

“This disaster declaration is welcome news to the residents of Denton County,” Gov. Rick Perry said of the declaration from President Bush. “The communities devastated by these storms can now begin rebuilding their homes and businesses.”

People whose homes or properties were destroyed or damaged will be eligible for individual assistance under the Federal Stafford Act. The programs for people who are not covered by insurance can include temporary housing, legal services, financial assistance and disaster unemployment assistance.

Bush previously declared Maverick, Moore and Swisher counties as federal disaster areas. Eagle Pass is in Maverick County.

Meanwhile, a representative from the governor’s office is scheduled to tour the Odessa area to survey damage from storms that hit Ector County last week.

The Rev. Rigoberto Hernandez said three feet of water collected in his office at the Revelation To The Nations Ministries, the fourth time since 1995 that flooding had hit.

“This one was amazing,” Hernandez said in a story for the Odessa American. He estimated damage to his building at $60,000.

Ector County Judge Susan Redford said 100 people had called to report flood damage.