Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Announce Presidential Disaster Declaration

Statement

Sens. Cornyn, Hutchison Announce Presidential Disaster Declaration

U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) announced that President George W. Bush has approved a major disaster declaration for the State of Texas as a result of severe storms on June 16-18, 2007. This declaration will trigger the release of federal funds to help people and communities in Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Grayson, Lampasas, and Tarrant counties.

"I am pleased the President has approved the federal disaster declaration, bringing much-needed federal funding to our hardest-hit communities," said Sen. Hutchison. "I have been closely monitoring the flooding across Texas and we'll continue to ensure the federal government provides every available resource to Texas as we move, from rescue and recovery, to rebuilding."

"This declaration will provide important assistance to Texans affected by some of the recent devastating torrential rains and flooding," said Sen. Cornyn. "I'll continue working with local, state and federal officials to make sure affected Texans, including those involved in this week's flooding, get the relief they need and deserve."

Individual 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.

FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed. All counties in the State of Texas are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

On June 22 Senators Hutchison and Cornyn urged the President to expedite the federal disaster declaration requested by Governor Rick Perry (R-TX).

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