Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration for El Paso County, seeking federal recovery help for Far West Texas communities hit by severe storms and flooding late last month, according to a Nov. 11 news release from the governor’s office.
If the SBA approves the request, low-interest federal disaster loans would become available to eligible homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by the flooding, the governor’s office said. The loans are intended to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in the impacted communities.
“Texas will support the families and businesses impacted by the recent severe storms and flooding in El Paso County,” Abbott said in the release. “This request will help provide eligible Texans with access to low-interest disaster loans they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities. Together with our federal partners, Texas will ensure Texans have the resources they need to recover.”
According to the release, the request follows an analysis of the damage sustained in impacted communities that was conducted by local, state and federal officials.
State officials are encouraging residents who sustained flood damage to continue reporting damage to homes and businesses through the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, known as iSTAT, at damage.tdem.texas.gov. The governor’s office said information submitted through the survey helps state and local officials assess the extent of disaster impacts and identify additional recovery needs.
A state disaster declaration issued by Abbott remains in effect for El Paso County as state resources continue supporting local recovery efforts, the release noted. Whether the federal loan program opens to El Paso County residents and businesses now depends on the SBA’s decision on the governor’s request.