The city of Katy hosted U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Tomball, Monday afternoon for a press conference commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. During his speech, McCaul commended the city of Katy and its residents for their response to Harvey. He also offered updates on what Congress has been doing to assist with recovery from Harvey and flood mitigation.

“A year ago, one of the worst hurricanes to ever hit mankind hit the Katy area, the Houston area and the state of Texas,” McCaul said.

Since that time, McCaul said Congress has approved about $140 billion in funding for hurricane recovery for Harvey and two other hurricanes, Irma and Maria, which hit the East Coast and Puerto Rico. About $12.5 billion of that funding has been allocated to Texas, McCaul said.

McCaul’s praise for city officials included a proactive approach to identifying the gaps in the city’s emergency equipment needs. He said the city identified needs and purchased equipment, such as a new ditch grader, multiple high-water vehicles and a swift-water rescue boat, to ensure resident safety.

McCaul congratulated Harris County for the passage of a $2.5 billion bond package over the weekend, with about 85 percent of voters approving the bonds. McCaul said the bond will allow the county to receive a 3-to-1 matching grant from the federal government to ensure that flood mitigation projects are completed expeditiously. One project includes a potential third reservoir north of Katy, to help control runoff from the Cypress Creek watershed, which caused extensive flooding throughout the region.

McCaul also acknowledged the community for its actions to help one another during and after the storm, despite suffering personal losses. McCaul had visited with flood victims at Snappy’s restaurant in Katy to hear their stories and offer condolences and assurances to residents.

“Know that everyone at the state, federal and local level are doing everything we can to ensure that our citizens are made whole,” McCaul said.

McCaul represents Texas's 10th District and is the chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Our in-depth coverage of Harvey one year later can be found here.