Letter to County Judges - Utilization of Disaster Relief Funds

Letter

Dear County Judge:

As you know, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, I requested and received a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump. This declaration allows eligible communities and individuals to access valuable aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies to assist you and your community in the recovery and rebuilding process. Importantly, several of these programs can provide much needed cash flow during the crucial early phase of the recovery process when revenue may remain temporarily depressed. At this time and going forward, I want to ensure you have all the support and information you need to access this assistance.

Below are two programs specifically designed to ensure local entities have access to funds in the event of temporary cash flow issues that may arise due to increased expenditures related to Hurricane Harvey:

 Expedited Project Worksheet. This funding option allows eligible local entities to receive expedited funding to reimburse for Category A (Debris Removal) and B (Emergency Protective Measures) expenditures needed to address immediate needs. If you are in need of expedited funding, please contact your TDEM district coordinator.
 Community Disaster Loan Program. Under the Community Disaster Loan Program, FEMA provides operational funding to help local governments who may be experiencing a significant loss in revenue. These low-interest loans help jurisdictions return to normal operations and jump-start community recovery. Information on the Community Disaster Loan Program is enclosed.

FEMA and other federal agencies also provide assistance to eligible individuals who are experiencing a temporary interruption in work. Whether one is a small business owner who lost a business or a worker who has been temporarily displaced as a result of the disaster, programs exist to get our fellow Texans back on their feet.

 Small Business Administration Disaster Loans. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers the opportunity to defer interest on existing SBA loans or apply for a low-interest disaster loan to help individuals or businesses get back on track. These loans are available to help cover repairs to physical assets such as businesses or homes and can be used to cover small business operating expenses.
 Disaster Unemployment Assistance. The Texas Workforce Commission, through FEMA, is offering Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), which provides unemployment benefits for individuals who lost their jobs, are self-employed or no longer working as a direct result of the disaster.
 Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is offering a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which provides short-term food assistance benefits for families impacted by the disaster.
 Critical Needs Assistance Program. FEMA authorized Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) to individuals and households living in jurisdictions included in the major disaster declaration who, as a result of the disaster, are displaced from their primary dwelling for a minimum of seven days. CNA is an accelerated disaster assistance program provided to eligible individuals and households that may be used to purchase life-saving or life-
sustaining items.
 Disaster National Dislocated Worker Grants. The Texas Workforce Commission can provide information on grants to hire individuals for clean-up jobs and also to provide longer-term employment and training services. These funds flow through State Workforce Agencies to Local Workforce Development Boards with services being delivered through American Job Centers.

Information on all of these programs is included in this letter and can be shared with individuals in your community.

I encourage you to contact your Commission to Rebuild Texas point of contact if you have additional questions. The commission stands ready to help you utilize the tools available to ease temporary budgetary constraints and will assist you in ensuring that your citizens have access to resources that may be needed to help them get back on their feet.

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to rebuilding your communities. Together we will build a better Texas for future generations.

Sincerely,

Source