Texas to set up $50 million for storm debris removal

The State of Texas will provide up to $50 million for debris removal in areas affected by severe weather this spring. The declaration will cover debris removal after the derecho in Houston May 16 and Hurricane Beryl in July.

In May, winds of up to 100 miles an hour spread across much of the Houston area and Southeast Texas. At least nine people died, trees were uprooted, windows were blown out and some buildings were damaged.

July 8, Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, about 50 miles south of Houston. The hurricane then moved inland over East Texas. At least 42 people died.

After the hurricane, Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 122 counties; he renewed the declaration last week.

Abbott now says state lawmakers have now approved $50 million for debris removal from both the derecho and Hurricane Beryl.

"As Southeast Texas recovers from devastating severe weather this summer, Texas continues working to support local communities as they rebuild and move forward from Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho Storm," Abbott wrote in a statement Wednesday.

Abbott cited "a lack of and delayed funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency" affecting communities across the country for the need to provide money for debris removal.

State House Speaker Dade Phelan's district in Southeast Texas covers areas affected by the storms.

"Texans affected by these recent natural disasters face overwhelming challenges as they remove debris from their communities, and this funding will go a long way to help rebuild their homes and businesses. I want to thank Governor Abbott, Texas emergency management officials, and our local and state partners for their tireless work addressing the needs of those impacted. We stand ready to ensure all affected communities have access to these funds in an expeditious manner,” Phelan writes.

State Comptroller Glenn Hegar said issues with funding can delay recovery efforts. He said cities and counties would be responsible to pay for debris removal until federal funding is approved.

"These delays can have disastrous long-term ramifications for local and regional economies. I am proud to work with Governor Abbott and legislative leadership to ensure these communities have the resources they need to navigate the difficult road to full recovery and get Texans, their families, and their businesses back on their feet," Hegar said.

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