Rep. Crenshaw Helps Secure Hurricane and Federally-Declared Disaster Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Crenshaw issued a statement on the bipartisan government funding bill that includes more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including Texas during Hurricane Beryl and the Houston Derecho:

"Funding that provides critical resources for my constituents in Harris and Montgomery County as they continue to recover from the impact of Beryl and the Houston Derecho is one of my main priorities," said Rep. Crenshaw. "I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this funding approved."

While specific funding levels for states and communities will be based on need, the legislation approves the following funding nationally:

Natural Resources Conservation Service - $920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program for debris removal, watershed stabilization, and cleanup efforts related to recent natural disasters.

Food and Nutrition Service - $25 million in infrastructure funds for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to assist food banks damaged by natural disasters.

Economic Development Assistance Programs - $1.5 billion for economic development assistance to communities impacted by tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024.

Army Corps - $1.5 billion for the Corps of Engineers for rehabilitation and repairs needed due to natural disasters, to expedite studies and projects to reduce the risks of future disasters, and to address water infrastructure needs due to disasters.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans Program - $2.2 billion to support the subsidy needs of SBA disaster loans to small businesses and individuals, including funding for the SBA Office of Inspector General for audits and reviews of disaster loans.

U. S. Coast Guard - $312.7 million for the response to disasters, including the hurricanes, and to make repairs to shore facilities and aids to navigation.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Disaster Relief Fund - $29 billion for response, recovery, and mitigation activities related to Presidentially declared major disasters. Includes a $4 million transfer to DHS's Office of Inspector General for oversight activities related to the funds.

Government Accountability Office - $10 million to support audits and investigations related to disasters declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Federal Highway Administration - $8.1 billion for the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program to reimburse states for highway and bridge repairs.

Community Planning and Development Fund - $12 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to help local, state, and Tribal governments recover from Presidentially declared disasters.

Background:

Congressman Crenshaw has been pushing for federal assistance since both Hurricane Beryl and the Houston Derecho hit the 2^nd District. For months, the Congressman has worked with Congressional leadership and appropriators to deliver on the $100 billion appropriation.

On July 8, 2024, Congressman Crenshaw released a resource page for constituents impacted by Beryl.

Later in July and August, 2024, Congressman Crenshaw provided additional information on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan resources.

On October 3, 2024, Congressman Crenshaw joined a bipartisan Texas Delegation letter to Congressional Leadership on the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho, and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support constituents affected by the disasters.

On December 20, 2024, Congress passed critical disaster aid legislation.

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