FEMA Aid to Texans Tops $12 Million as Storms Continue

With parts of Texas continuing to experience record-breaking rainfall and intense flooding, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says it has approved a total of $10,088,447 in disaster housing assistance in the state and an additional $2,031,433 has been approved for Other Needs Assistance (ONA). FEMA is coordinating recovery efforts with the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs currently are available to residents in 25 Texas counties: Archer, Bell, Brown, Burnet, Cherokee, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Eastland, Grayson, Hamilton, Hood, Lampasas, Llano, Parker, Runnels, Smith, Starr, Tarrant, Travis, Victoria, Webb, Wichita and Williamson.

With more heavy rainfall expected across the state through the weekend, Texas Gov. Rick Perry ordered search and rescue teams into position in San Antonio. The forecast storm line stretches from Laredo to the Dallas area. The governor’s office said the state will provide assistance to these communities as local officials indicate the need for state help.

Two Texas Task Force 1 swift water rescue teams, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and swift water rescue team, have been pre-positioned in San Antonio to assist with search and rescue operations as needed. Six Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens with three boats and a Texas Forest Service Incident Management Team are also positioned in San Antonio and ready for rapid deployment. Additionally, 60 Texas Military Forces soldiers and 20 high-profile vehicles are on standby if needed to assist with response to heavy flooding and other emergencies. Voluntary organizations are also prepared to help if needed to provide mass care support for residents.

As of July 26, 6,073 individuals and families affected by recent flooding have registered for assistance through FEMA’s toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by going online to www.fema.gov. Individuals with speech or hearing impairment may call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $2,982,600 in disaster loan assistance.

FEMA said it will be opening a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) in Rio Grande City, Texas, to offer assistance to residents affected by the severe storms and flooding in the region. Recovery specialists will be available to answer questions residents may have about the disaster aid process. The MDRC will open in Rio Grande City on Monday, July 30 and operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through August 4. It will be located at:

South Texas College
142 FM 3167
Rio Grande City, TX 78582

After its service in Rio Grande City, the MDRC will continue visiting affected communities throughout the region.

FEMA currently operates six fixed DRCs, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the following locations:

Burnet County
Marble Falls Elementary School Gym
1909 Broadway St.
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Eastland County
Siebert Elementary School
100 Little Maverick Trail
Eastland, TX 76448

Cooke County
Gainesville Outlet Mall
Suite 500
4321 I-35 North
Gainesville, TX 76420

Tarrant/Denton Counties
5517 Denton Hwy (US-377)
Old Redi-Mix Admin Bldg.
Haltom City, TX 76148

Wichita/Archer Counties
Old Downtown Post Office in Federal Building – 3rd floor
1000 Lamar St.
Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Grayson County
Shafer Crossing
2918 Sam Rayburn Freeway
Suite 400
Sherman, TX 75090

For more information on Texas disaster recovery is available at www.fema.gov or www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.