The counties were added to the declaration by President Donald Trump on Wednesday after a request from Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady and numerous other state and local elected officials. Another 19 counties, such as Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston counties, were already declared a disaster on Aug. 25.
Addition to the declaration means the counties will be eligible for federal funding to aid in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Homes and businesses throughout the county were affected by the hurricane, and on Tuesday the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reported 1,300 people were rescued during the storm. Approximately 1,200 residents have been helped at local shelters as well.
"Texas continues to work closely with both federal and local officials to provide critical resources to those in need as quickly as possible in the aftermath of this catastrophe," Abbott said in a press release. "I am thankful FEMA continues to stand with the people of Texas during this difficult time. One thing this storm has not broken is the character of Texans, and I will make sure the affected communities across the state have everything they need to rebuild.”
Brady said the region saw an enormous effect from Hurricane Harvey, but said the help and support from residents and first responders have been just as big. He encouraged residents to register with FEMA as soon as possible, and about 210,000 Texas residents have already registered. Registration is available online or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. Montgomery County officials ask residents to register with the county at www.mctxoem.org.
"I have been through hurricane Rita and Ike, but this is unprecedented," Brady said. "It requires an unprecedented response, and that is what we got. It has been an inspiring moment, to say the least, and I think Texas is showing the country how neighbors help neighbors."
Brady said residents should register even if they do not have flood insurance, adding there are also other financial resources available to explore as well.
"Whether you have flood insurance or not I would urge you to register," he said. "Let [FEMA] determine the eligibility. If you are not eligible for one type of help you may be eligible for others, whether it be the small business administration or the federal housing agency."
Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal said the declaration is critical for recovery efforts in Montgomery County, where some residents and businesses were affected by significant flooding during the storm, he said. The declaration also means the county will be eligible for federal reimbursements for the cost of operations during the storm.
County officials are now asking residents to register with FEMA and begin the recovery process, Doyal said.
"The response from all of our law enforcement agencies, fire departments, first responders and volunteers has been unbelievably incredible," Doyal said. "People have stepped up and gotten the job done. The storm affected everybody from Brownsville to Beaumont. I know that FEMA, like the Red Cross, has been overwhelmed statewide. So please be patient, but help is on the way."
