Biden Declares The Biggest Disaster In Texas
Biden declares the biggest disaster in Texas after the storm that has affected millions of people: there will be more federal aid.
The measure unlocks federal money for temporary housing and home repairs following freezing temperatures that left millions without electricity, water or heat. Texas still reports more than 81,000 power outages statewide.
President Joe Biden declared Texas the biggest disaster on Saturday while the state is still ravaged by a severe winter storm that initially left millions of people without power amid freezing temperatures.
Biden’s measure frees up federal funding for communities in 77 counties. Additional disaster declarations can be made later once additional damage is assessed.
As of this Saturday morning, Texas is reporting more than 81,000 power outages across the state , according to tracking website PowerOutage.us .
Boil water advisories remain in effect in 189 counties after more than 1,300 public water systems reported service outages due to the storm, affecting more than 15.1 million people, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. this saturday morning.
Federal aid includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs , low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help residents and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, the White House reported Saturday. .
The major disaster declaration also unlocks federal aid for eligible local government offices and certain private non-profit organizations for emergency protection and hazard mitigation measures throughout the state.
Robert Fenton, Acting Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), appointed Jerry Thomas as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas .
