KERR COUNTY, Texas — Flood recovery is far from over in the Texas Hill Country, and local leaders are asking for more federal help as communities continue rebuilding.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is expected to provide an update Thursday morning on its recovery efforts following the devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River that damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure.
The update comes as community leaders say donations and volunteers have slowed compared with last year’s recovery efforts, even as many families continue to recover.
At the same time, Kerr County officials are urging President Donald Trump to approve a major disaster declaration, saying the current federal emergency declaration provides limited assistance.
Kerr County Commissioner Rich Paces said emergency declaration funding is capped at $5 million for immediate response, while a major disaster declaration would open the door to additional federal aid through FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program and IRS disaster tax relief.
Last week, U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz sent a letter to the president supporting Texas’ request for a major disaster declaration. The senators said preliminary damage assessments estimate statewide recovery costs at nearly $490 million and urged the federal government to quickly approve additional assistance.
Officials are also asking residents in flood-affected areas to complete iSTAT damage assessments, saying those reports help document the full extent of losses and strengthen the state’s case for additional federal funding.
The Community Foundation’s recovery update is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday.
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