Congressman Gonzalez Urges Governor Abbott to Request FEMA Disaster Declaration for Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott requesting the governor contact President Donald J. Trump and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William B. Long to formally request a federal disaster declaration and funding for the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend following last week's historic flooding.

On Friday, Congressman Gonzalez sent letters to President Trump and Administrator Long asking that FEMA exercise authority, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (the Stafford Act) §401, to expedite a disaster declaration. According to federal law, for federal disaster funding to be authorized, Governor Abbott must submit a formal request to FEMA.

"This is an opportunity for Governor Abbott to do the right thing and help Texans rebuild and recover," Congressman Gonzalez said. "Together, we can ensure an efficient and effective recovery for all residents in South Texas, especially those that were directly affected by severe weather and flooding."

In response to severe weather and flooding, Governor Abbott issued a State Disaster Declaration for Aransas, Cameron, Hidalgo, Nueces, San Patricio and Willacy Counties last week.

Read the full letter to Governor Abbott below:

June 25, 2018

The Honorable Greg Abbott

Office of the Governor of Texas

P.O. Box 12428

Austin, Texas 78711-2428

Dear Governor Abbott,

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to thank you for your declaration of six South Texas counties as areas of disaster following last week's heavy rainfall and severe flooding. This flooding, which began on June 19 and continued for several days, affected about one million Texans, numerous communities, and hundreds, if not thousands, of businesses in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend.

As we continue to assess the hundreds of millions in damages caused by the aforementioned flooding and begin to rebuild, it is critical that federal funds be made available for reconstruction and recovery efforts. Accordingly, I am writing to ask that you request a disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and President Donald J. Trump.

Last week's historic flooding resulted in water levels as high as seven feet. The property damage resulting from the flooding that affected homes, businesses, roads, and streets, caused irreparable damage to other public and private property. I urge you to start the process and contact FEMA and request a joint Federal, State Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA). Local leaders should also be included in this process to assist efforts, and provide as much real time, and accurate information as possible. Absent a formal request to FEMA and the President, federal assistance cannot be made available to the victims of this horrific disaster. It is my belief that we are responsible for providing those affected by this devastation with all available resources in order to expedite the process of rebuilding.

The level of property damage and danger to life and limb warranted a declaration of disaster from you; and I now respectfully request that you follow through and request federal assistance for the many Texans overwhelmed by this flood.

According to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (the Stafford Act) §401, the governor of a state affected by a natural disaster has to request a disaster declaration from FEMA.

Should you have any questions, or need more information about this tragic occurrence, please contact me at (202) 225-2531.

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez

Member of Congress