Harris and Montgomery counties were hit with several inches of rain during April and May.[/caption]

To help with flood recovery efforts in Harris and Montgomery counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a recovery center July 18 in the Tomball Public Works building on James Street.

The center is available for residents in any county in the area where a national emergency declaration was made during the April and May floods, including Harris and Montgomery counties, said William Lindsey, FEMA public information officer. Residents and business owners must register before any aid can be given.

“It is imperative that they register if they sustained any damages or if they want to check on their case,” Lindsey aid. “They can go to the Tomball Public Works department and talk to someone face-to-face. We put that [center] there as an assurance that we’re still here, and we’re still trying to help those who need assistance.”

For residents who had home damage from April 17-30, the deadline for FEMA assistance is July 29. For those who experienced flood damage from May 26-June 24, the deadline for assistance is August 10, Lindsey said.

Lindsey said the center will be able to help provide information on rental assistance, repairs, building codes for reconstruction, avoiding contractor scams and mitigation for future flooding in the area. A representative from the National Flood Insurance Program will also be on site, he said.

The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mon.-Fri. and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Tomball Public Works building is located at 501 James St. For more information on disaster assistance in the area, visit www.fema.gov.