Newsroom

Harris County, TX, May 16, 2024, Harris County, TX, May 16, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott’s letter to President Biden requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Texas communities impacted by severe weather will bring aid to Harris County communities affected by the recent San Jacinto River flooding as soon as the first week of June. 

“I know that many families in our region saw their homes and belongings destroyed by recent flooding. That’s why I have been in Washington, D.C. advocating for more support for Harris County communities affected by this flood and future floods, and for that support to come down faster. I want to thank Governor Abbott and his emergency management team for doing their part and submitting a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration quickly so that people in Harris County and other impacted communities can receive federal aid as soon as possible. In disasters like this one, it’s almost impossible for residents to recover fully. That’s why I’m pushing for our federal government to send us buyout funds faster so that in the future, we can help victims of flooding break the cycle of flood, rebuild and repeat. I’m especially grateful that Governor Abbott is helping Harris County push not just for SBA loans, but also for direct financial assistance to residents that they don’t have to pay back. We are pushing for both as hard as we can,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.

The state requested Individual Assistance programs for seven impacted counties including Harris County. Additionally, approval of the disaster declaration request would authorize the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans for Harris County, which are low-interest loans paid directly to individuals to aid with recovery. 

It will take a minimum of 21 days after the state submits its request (by June 5 at the earliest)  for the SBA Administrator to make a decision about Harris County’s eligibility for SBA disaster loans. Because the state moved quickly to conduct damage assessments and submit this request, people can begin receiving this assistance quicker. 

Once the SBA Administrator approves the state’s request, eligible Harris County renters, homeowners and business owners affected by the recent flooding can begin applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans. Renters can receive up to $100,000, homeowners can receive up to $500,000 and businesses can receive up to $2M. After residents apply, it will take about three weeks for them to receive the loan. 

Judge Hidalgo has been in Washington, D.C. and Harris County department leaders along with our emergency management professionals in recent weeks meeting with senior White House and FEMA officials advocating for more resources for Harris County communities affected by flooding, including ways to expedite federal funds for Harris County’s voluntary buyout program. 

View the state’s full letter to President Biden here. 

###