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Harris County, TX, May 9, 2024, – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is spearheading efforts in Washington D.C. this week to secure funding for communities devastated by recent floods and future floods. 

In a series of crucial meetings, Judge Hidalgo and Harris County Flood Control District Director Dr. Tina Petersen met with  key federal decision-makers, including Tom Perez, senior adviser to President Biden, and FEMA Deputy Associate Chief Counsel Kristen Buda. During her time in D.C. Hidalgo will continue to advocate and emphasize the pressing need for faster financial assistance for Harris County residents during the grueling process of disaster recovery.

The primary focus of these discussions at the federal level are twofold: 

• To urge federal partners to promptly allocate critical funding for residents through channels such as the FEMA Individual Assistance program and Small Business Administration (SBA)  low-interest disaster loans, vital resources for businesses and homeowners trying to rebuild after  declared disasters. 
• To identify ways to expedite funding for the Harris County Flood Control Department’s voluntary buyout program so homeowners aren’t forced to rebuild in flood-prone areas. The current process can take 8-18 months, an unfair and challenging time frame for someone in desperate need.

As Harris County bridges from response to recovery and damage assessments are completed, it is estimated that the number of structures and homes devastated by the flood is expected to grow as high as 200 or more. 

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