In response to the heavy rainfall that saturated Southeast Texas in late May, the federal government issued a disaster declaration for Montgomery County and 11 others on June 11.

In Montgomery County alone, 5-16 inches of rain fell between May 26-28, leaving 880 homes with major flood damage. The 500-year flood event follows a similar rainfall that permeated the area in April.

"We appreciate the federal government's speedy response to our requests for aid; given the widespread damage caused by May's floods, this assistance is sorely needed,” Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal said. “We are grateful for this assistance as we help our residents, businesses and local government recover from the floods."

Doyal signed a disaster declaration for Montgomery County on May 27 for the second time in less than two months. According to Doyal, Montgomery County’s congressional delegation has been working together diligently to receive this federal aid for the affected residents and business owners.

“Families and businesses in Grimes, Montgomery and San Jacinto counties had barely caught their breath after the tax day flooding when another extended run of storms dumped up to 20 inches of rain across Texas,” said U.S Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands. “And along with the Texas delegation and local officials, I never stopped pushing to get this declaration in place.”

According to Doyal, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management will work with FEMA to assist residents. Directions to apply for assistance will be available in the coming days online at www.mctxoem.org.