Karnes County Eligible for Federal Funding for Damage Caused by Hurricane Harvey

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued an update regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Karnes County. On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott requested that 30 counties be added to that list, including Karnes County.

"We must act swiftly to ensure that those areas affected by Harvey have the resources necessary for relief and recovery," Congressman Gonzalez said. "I thank FEMA for their continued dedication to helping South Texas residents on the road to recovery."

Karnes County is now eligible to receive Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation assistance from FEMA. Karnes County has also been added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration and is now eligible for Direct Federal Assistance.

Direct Federal Assistance: Utilized when the cost of the disaster exceeds the ability of the state, therein triggering Individual and Public Assistance.

Individual Assistance: Seeks to make sure an individual is in a safe, secure, and sanitary environment.

Public Assistance: Used for local jurisdictions (i.e. cities, counties, schools) and certain non-profits (i.e. hospitals, nursing homes).

Hazard Mitigation: Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

If you live in Karnes and wish to pursue relief resources, please register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA or by going online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

For further assistance on receiving relief services, please visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or one of the resources provided below:

After applying for FEMA aid
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/images/110677

Three Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid
https://www.fema.gov/es/media-library/assets/images/118049

How to file a claim
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4277/

Sources of Financial Help After a Disaster
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/images/111652

Disaster Assistance Process in English and Spanish
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1472483334567-cecf3eee750f3d9c59fe68ce0a8167c8/disaster-assistance-process-508a.pdf

Road to Receiving a Manufactured Housing Unit
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/images/127812

Many Forms of Housing Assistance
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/images/123579