President Extends Federal Funding Coverage to 30 days

Office of Legislative Affairs

202-646-4500

State of Texas
Major Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet

October 8, 2008

On September 13, 2008, President Bush declared a major disaster for the State of Texas triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities and individuals recover from Hurricane Ike which occurred September 7- October 2, 2008.  This disaster declaration has been amended as indicated below in bold.  Details of the disaster declaration and assistance programs are as follows:

Declaration Number:                           FEMA-1791-DR

Incident:                                              Hurricane Ike

Incident Period:                                  September 7 - October 2, 2008

Federal Coordinating Officer:              Sandy Coachman
                                                           National FCO Program

Individual Assistance:       (Assistance to individuals and households):

Designated Counties:                          Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties.

Type of Assistance:                             Public Assistance:  (Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities):

Designated Counties:                          Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties for debris removal (Category A) and Emergency Protective Measures (Category B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program. 

Chambers and Galveston Counties for Public Assistance [Categories C-G] (already designated for Individual Assistance and debris removal and emergency protective measures [Categories A and B], including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
                                                                               
The President determined that the damage in certain areas of Texas, resulting from Hurricane Ike during the period of September 7 to October 2, 2008, is of sufficient severity and magnitude that special conditions are warranted regarding the cost-sharing arrangement concerning Federal funds provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (the Stafford Act).

Therefore, he has amended his previous declarations of September 13, 2008, and September 16, 2008, and authorize Federal funds for assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, at 100 percent of the total eligible costs for an additional 30 days beyond the previous 14-day period, retroactive to the date of the major disaster declaration.

This adjustment to State and local cost sharing applies only to Public Assistance costs and direct Federal assistance eligible for such adjustments under the law. The law specifically prohibits a similar adjustment for funds provided to States for Other Needs Assistance (Section 408) and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (Section 404).  These funds will continue to be reimbursed at 75 percent of total eligible costs.

This cost share is effective as of the date of the President’s initial major disaster declaration.

Type of Assistance:                             Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: (Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards):

Designated Counties:                          All counties in the State of Texas are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

OTHER:                                             Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

If you have any questions or need additional information on this Federal Disaster Declaration please call FEMA’s Office of Legislative Affairs at (202) 646-4500, FAX number (202) 646-3600.