Hays County And San Marcos Approved For Federal Assistance On Recent Flooding

Survivors with Property Damage Now Eligible to Apply for Federal Assistance

County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., today announced that residents of Hays County – inside city limits and in the unincorporated area – who sustained losses from the “All Saints” floods and storms on October 30-31 are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance following a federal disaster declaration approved today.

Judge Cobb thanked the Governor and the President for their quick action and assistance in helping Hays County property owners and renters recover from the devastation.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. The application period is expected to last at least 60 days.

Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator Kharley Smith reminded survivors that each individual’s losses and needs are different and different types of aid will apply to each person, family and business affected.

Persons in Hays County can register for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). If you use 711 relay or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362 directly. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

As needed, centers will be set up in affected areas to share information with those affected and to answer questions about the application process.

The request for the disaster declaration included preliminary estimates of 83 houses destroyed and 196 with major damage throughout several cities and the unincorporated area of the county. Local and state teams are continuing to gather information for a Public Assistance declaration request, which would help reimburse governments for damage to public buildings, parks, roads, and bridges as well as for debris removal. 

Presidential Disaster Declaration Granted For Texas Counties

On Friday, November 20th, Governor Greg Abbott requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Texas counties due to damage sustained from the severe weather and flooding in October. The President this morning granted the request for Individual Assistance for 15 counties that will aid Texans as they continue to recover and rebuild. The President also granted disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“I want to thank the President and FEMA for their swift response to Texas’ request for a federal disaster declaration,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas looks forward to working with its FEMA partners to ensure those in need receive the assistance necessary to start rebuilding their lives.”

Governor Abbott requested Individual Assistance for Bastrop, Brazoria, Caldwell, Comal, Galveston, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Liberty, Navarro, Travis, Willacy, and Wilson Counties.