Governor Greg Abbott announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved additional assistance for regions impacted by severe flooding in Texas this past July. Eligible counties—Coke, Concho, Kendall, Mason, and Sutton—will now have access to the SBA's various loan programs aimed at aiding the recovery process, as per a statement on the Governor's website.
"With the approval of this disaster declaration, more communities impacted by the devastating floods that took place over the Fourth of July weekend will have access to critical financial assistance they need to recover," Abbott stated on the Governor's website. Among the offerings are the Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs, which provide low-interest loans to qualified homeowners, renters, and business owners in the affected communities.
Those in need of assistance can apply online and find more details at sba.gov/disaster or reach out to the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 for further information. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, telecommunications relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1. Completed applications should be sent to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Beyond securing SBA support, Abbott has been proactive in marshalling aid for flood-stricken Texan communities. This has included extending disaster unemployment assistance, securing FEMA Individual Assistance registration period extensions, and spearheading fundraising efforts exceeding $40 million for long-term relief. His actions have underscored a commitment to deliver necessary resources and facilitate a path toward recovery for those affected by the natural disaster.
The flooding, which wreaked havoc over the Fourth of July holiday period, catalyzed a robust response from both state and federal levels. Abbott's engagements included presenting checks with the Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund, advocating for additional counties to be included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration, and personally surveying the damage alongside disaster response units. Texans in impacted areas are encouraged to avail themselves of the assistance programs as they rebuild in the aftermath of the summer's catastrophic flooding events.
