|
Texas, Florida join Forces to Nearly Double Federal Disaster Aid
Texas in line for billions of dollars for projects to prevent future flooding
|
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2017 |
ALLYSON MANLEY |
(202) 225-5524 |
|
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed $81 billion in new disaster recovery funds to provide for relief for Hurricane Harvey and other natural disasters, including crucial flood mitigation projects. Texas and Florida congressional delegations joined forces to significantly increase the original $44 billion funding request from the Office of Management and Budget. In addition to more FEMA, housing, business, agriculture, infrastructure and economic development funding, the measure includes $12.5 billion to help communities protect against future natural disasters and prevent repetitive costs.
Upon passage by a 251 to 169 margin, a coalition of U.S. Representatives (Rep. Kevin Brady, Rep. Brian Babin, Rep. John Culberson, Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Pete Olson, Rep. Ted Poe, and Rep. Randy Weber) from districts impacted by Hurricane Harvey issued the following joint statement:
“This is a breakthrough for preventing future flooding. In addition to funding Texas’s ongoing recovery needs, we have succeeded in securing billions of dollars to prevent future flooding of our homes and communities. Texas could be eligible for up to $15 billion in aid, including a $10.5 billion pool for flood mitigation projects. Many of our key regional projects can move forward with this funding, some of which are already authorized and awaiting funding – others which require updated studies and assessment as a crucial first step.”
BACKGROUND
In the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and the other natural disasters that struck across America in 2017, Congress crafted legislation to provide relief and recovery funds to the affected areas. Alongside important FEMA Disaster Relief Funds and HUD Community Development Block Grants, this includes additional funding for the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Eligible Projects Include:
- Addicks and Barker Reservoir Dam System Improvement Study including Cypress Creek Reservoir Project & Harris County Buyout Project
- Clear Creek Flood Damage Reduction (Watershed) Project
- Montgomery County Reservoir Project Study
- Metropolitan Houston Regional Watershed Assessment
- Houston Ship Channel Repairs
- Brays Bayou Flood Risk Management Project
- Hunting Bayou Flood Risk Management Project; and
- White Oak Bayou Flood Risk Management Project
###
|
|
