Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) had approved a state request for a disaster declaration in communities affected by southeastern tornadoes on January 23, according to a press release published by Abbott's Office on Friday. The declaration impacts Harris and Orange Counties, as well as their contiguous counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Newton and Waller.
“This disaster declaration is an important step in helping Texans and Texas communities impacted by January's severe weather and tornados continue to recover,” Abbott said. “I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for working with the U.S. Small Business Administration to determine that eligibility requirements were met for Harris, Orange, and surrounding counties. The State of Texas will continue working nonstop to help homeowners and businesses receive the support needed to rebuild and recover from storm damage.”
The SBA's approval was preceded by an analysis of damage in Southeast Texas conducted by officials at the local, state and federal levels, confirming that Harris and Orange Counties met the appropriate criteria for assistance. Abbott had directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request the declaration from the SBA after a prior request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration was denied. With the approval, the SBA granted affected families and businesses access to its Physical Disaster Loan program and its Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
On January 26, Abbott issued a disaster declaration for communities in Southeast Texas that had suffered damage to homes and businesses before updating the declaration on January 30 to include additional affected counties.
"At the Governor's direction, beginning January 23 and throughout the severe weather event, TDEM deployed state emergency response personnel to provide support to local jurisdictions and conduct preliminary damage assessments in coordination with local officials," the release reads.
Applicants for assistance can apply online, receive additional information and download the necessary forms at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov, call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800)-659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for further assistance.
