Harris County Secures $67.3 Million in Federal Disaster Recovery Funding
Harris County has been awarded $67.3 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding, part of a $12 billion federal disaster recovery package, aims to assist communities across the nation affected by disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Harris County endured two major natural disasters in 2024: the May Derecho, which caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage, and Hurricane Beryl in July, which left millions of residents grappling with severe flooding. These funds will play a crucial role in helping the county recover from these events while investing in more resilient infrastructure for the future.
"With the persistent threat of stronger and more frequent storms, we must do everything we can to build a more resilient Harris County," said Commissioner Lesley Briones. "This $67 million in federal funding is a lifeline for our communities. It will help us recover from recent disasters and allow us to build more resilient infrastructure for the future. I am deeply grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for prioritizing disaster survivors. With this support, Harris County will have the resources needed to recover, rebuild, and create safer communities."
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The CDBG-DR program is the only federal disaster recovery initiative that primarily benefits low- and moderate-income households and communities. The funding will be used to:
- Replace and rebuild damaged affordable housing with more resilient structures.
- Strengthen public infrastructure, including repairs and upgrades to roadways, water systems, and utilities.
- Support economic recovery by assisting small businesses, creating jobs, and aiding residents impacted by disasters.
- Implement disaster mitigation measures to reduce future risks from extreme weather events.
Thao Costis, executive director of the Harris County Housing and Community Development Department, emphasized the importance of the funding for the county's recovery efforts. "Coming together to help people in times of crisis is foundational to our nation. Harris County leaders are committed in sunny days and in times of crisis to maintaining and strengthening our communities. This allocation to Harris County will enable us and our partners to help low-to-moderate income families rebuild and become more resilient," Costis said.
The nearly billion-dollar investment in disaster recovery for Texas also includes allocations for the City of Houston and the State of Texas, ensuring comprehensive support for communities affected by recent storms. Harris County’s share of the funding will provide critical resources to support housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery efforts while addressing the challenges of future disasters.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
