The areas hardest hit by recent Southeast Texas tornadoes could get some financial relief if the US Small Business Administration (SBA) grants Governor Greg Abbott's request for emergency federal assistance for homes and businesses.
Governor Abbott on Tuesday requested that the SBA make a disaster declaration for Brazoria and Montgomery counties to provide low-interest loans to help rebuild areas that suffered extensive damage in a series of tornadoes on December 29th of last year.
The governor's office has already determined through an analysis of damage sustained written by local, state and federal officials that the two counties meet the requirements to receive federal funding.
The federal assistance, if approved, would benefit not only the two counties but their "contiguous counties" as well, according to a statement from Mr. Abbott's office.
The governor called the federal monetary assistance a critical part of rebuilding communities damaged by the storms and resulting tornadoes and high winds.
"I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for working with local officials to ensure Texans meet the eligibility requirements for financial" help, Abbott said.
He added that his office continues efforts to provide federal and local resources following Southeast Texas damage assessments and in accessing emergency response resources before and after severe thunderstorm threats.