NW Houston News

Congressman Dan Crenshaw has announced the passage of a bipartisan government funding bill that includes over $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities affected by natural disasters. This funding package, which aims to support recovery efforts from events such as Hurricane Beryl and the Houston Derecho, was a significant priority for Crenshaw, particularly for his constituents in Harris and Montgomery County.

"Funding that provides critical resources for my constituents in Harris and Montgomery County as they continue to recover from the impact of Beryl and the Houston Derecho is one of my main priorities," stated Rep. Crenshaw. "I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this funding approved."

The legislation allocates funds across various federal agencies based on specific needs. The Natural Resources Conservation Service will receive $920 million for its Emergency Watershed Protection Program, aimed at debris removal and watershed stabilization. The Food and Nutrition Service will obtain $25 million for infrastructure repairs under the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to aid food banks damaged by disasters.

Further allocations include $1.5 billion each for Economic Development Assistance Programs and the Army Corps of Engineers, focusing on economic development in disaster-affected areas and rehabilitation projects respectively. The Small Business Administration Disaster Loans Program will benefit from $2.2 billion to assist small businesses and individuals with disaster loans.

Additionally, $312.7 million is designated for the U.S. Coast Guard's response efforts, while FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund will see an allocation of $29 billion for disaster-related activities with oversight facilitated by a $4 million transfer to DHS’s Office of Inspector General.

Other notable allocations are $10 million to the Government Accountability Office for audits related to declared disasters, $8.1 billion for highway repairs through the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program, and $12 billion directed towards HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program.

Crenshaw has been advocating for federal assistance since Hurricane Beryl and the Houston Derecho impacted his district earlier this year. His efforts included releasing resource information on federal aid options available through FEMA and SBA during July 2024, followed by joining a bipartisan Texas Delegation letter urging Congressional leadership to pass an appropriations package supporting those affected by these natural disasters.

The approval of this comprehensive disaster aid legislation marks a significant step towards aiding communities across America in their recovery efforts following recent devastating events.