Texas Governor Extends Disaster Proclamation for North Texans Affected by Spring Storms
- Governor Greg Abbott has extended a disaster proclamation for North Texas due to damage from severe storms that occurred in late April.
- The proclamation was initially issued shortly after the storms caused widespread destruction in the region.
- This declaration aims to facilitate recovery efforts and provide assistance to those affected.
AUSTIN – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced an extension of the disaster proclamation aimed at aiding North Texans impacted by severe spring storms. Initially issued on April 30, the proclamation follows a series of devastating weather events from April 26 to June 5, which included powerful tornadoes and straight-line winds that left thousands without power and caused extensive property damage. The extension allows residents in affected counties, including Bosque, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Johnson, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant, to request government assistance until August 15. The storms resulted in significant rainfall, with Kaufman County experiencing up to 11 inches in just one day, leading to flash flooding that tragically claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy in Johnson County and damaged homes and vehicles in an RV park in Ellis County. In addition to the state-level support, federal assistance has also been extended. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) have aligned their application deadlines with the state’s, allowing residents until August 15 to apply for aid. As of mid-July, FEMA reported disbursing $176.7 million to over 76,000 households, while the SBA has approved $52.2 million in low-interest disaster loans for affected homeowners, renters, and businesses. This coordinated response underscores the ongoing commitment to support communities recovering from the devastating impacts of the spring storms.