According to a press release from the governor's office, the granted request authorizes FEMA to provide emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support at 75% federal funding. Counties included in the declaration are as follows: Aransas, Bexar, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy.
"Texas is grateful to President Trump and our partners at FEMA for quickly granting this Federal Emergency Declaration," Abbott said in a statement. "As Tropical Storms Marco and Laura head towards the coast, the state of Texas is working with local and federal partners to ensure our communities have the resources they need to respond to these storms."
According to the release, Marco is expected to make landfall in Louisiana on Monday before moving toward Texas on Aug. 25 as a tropical depression, bringing with it heavy rain and tropical storm-force winds. Although Marco reached hurricane status Aug. 23, it has since been downgraded to a tropical storm.
Meanwhile, Laura is expected to upgrade to hurricane status Aug. 25 before making landfall in southeast Texas or Louisiana on Aug. 27, bringing with it heavy rain, wind and storm surges in the area as early as Aug. 26. For more information about hurricane preparation, evacuation routes and additional statewide resources, click here.
"As Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura approach Texas, the state is taking necessary precautions to protect our communities and keep Texans safe," Abbott said during a press conference Aug. 23. "I urge Texas in the path of these storms to plan ahead and heed the guidance of their local officials."
