Gov. Abbott Extends Disaster Proclamation And Adds Two Counties

On Aug. 23, 2017, Gov. Abbott issued a disaster proclamation for communities in the path of Hurricane Harvey.

On Sept. 14, Governor Abbott added two counties to the list of Texas communities that Harvey posed a threat of imminent disaster to.

Miliam and San Augustine counties have joined the list of Texas counties in Abbott’s earlier disaster proclamation. How long the proclamation has been extended for was not stated.

Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on August 23, 2017, certifying that Hurricane Harvey posed a threat of “imminent disaster,” including severe flooding, storm surge and damaging winds, for Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado, Comal, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kerr, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Live Oak, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Wharton, Willacy and Wilson counties.

“These same conditions continue to exist in these and other counties in Texas,” the proclamation said. “Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.”

The proclamation continued to say, “Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.”