HOUSTON – Governor Greg Abbott's request for individual assistance for the Texas counties affected by severe weather and flooding was granted by the federal government.
Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Liberty, San Jacinto, Grimes, Fayette, Austin, Colorado, Wharton, Waller and Parker counties are the counties affected.
“I would like to thank the President and FEMA for quickly granting Texas’ request for Individual Assistance following last week’s severe weather,” Abbott said. “The State of Texas will continue to work with our local and federal partners to aid Texans recovering and rebuilding from flood damages and ensure all those affected receive the assistance they need.”
"I would like to thank the President and FEMA for quickly granting Texas' request for Individual Assistance following last week's severe weather. The federal government will continue to work with our local and federal partners to aid residents of Harris County while they are recovering," Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said.
Lee and other leaders toured the flooded Greenspoint community Monday afternoon in north Houston.
"We know as what we can see, the narrow tributary that we have here. We can see that it's not deep enough and that it floods. And the area has flooded more than once," she said.
Lee also said Houston needs more flood reduction projects, similar to those completed all over the area following Tropical Storm Allision 15 years ago. That includes stormwater detention facilities like the $55 million Greens Bayou project.
She said the first step will be to excavate the storm water detention basin adjacent to Greens Bayou near Antoine and Beltway 8. Leaders said it will flood here again.
"The water does not recognize the turn in bay. It will end up in these peoples' living rooms. It is a shame to allow them to continue to rent when we know we are endangering them and their goods," Sen. John Whitmire said.
Call 1 (800) 621-3362 or 1 (800) 621-FEMA for help finding assistance.