Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed a disaster proclamation for ongoing drought conditions in Texas. Originally issued in July 2022, the proclamation was extended on Friday, to cover multiple counties still affected by severe drought. According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the drought continues to impact communities dependent on the land for their livelihoods, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
The governor's proclamation addresses ongoing water scarcity by directing the use of “all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.” The order allows the suspension of certain state statutes and administrative rules that could slow emergency responses, but only with written approval from the Governor's Office. The governor stated, "However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster," as stated by the Office of the Texas Governor.
The state has declared disaster status in over 70 counties due to a widespread drought. The declaration covers areas from Aransas to Zavala, with the state adjusting procedures to address the situation. Copies of the declaration have been filed with the appropriate authorities. Residents in affected counties are advised to stay informed through official state announcements for updates and available resources, as mentioned by the Office of the Texas Governor.
