July 17, 2025

Texas Communities Rally for Recovery Amid Flood Damage

News Summary

In the aftermath of severe flooding in Texas, residents are uniting for recovery efforts. Governor Greg Abbott announced a $5 million funding package through the Texas Micro-Business Disaster Recovery Loan Program to assist micro-businesses affected by the disaster. The program offers zero-interest loans to help these businesses get back on their feet. Additionally, FEMA has expanded its assistance to more counties, with various community initiatives in place to support those impacted. While the challenges are significant, the resilience and cooperation among Texans shine through during this difficult time.

Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has announced the allocation of $5 million in funding through the Texas Micro-Business Disaster Recovery (MBDR) Loan Program to aid micro-businesses that have been impacted by the recent catastrophic flooding in the state. This initiative is particularly crucial for communities that are working to recover from extensive damage caused by these floods.

The Texas MBDR Loan Program offers zero-interest loans to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) serving micro-businesses with fewer than 20 employees. In order to be eligible for this financial assistance, a disaster declaration must be made at the local, state, or federal levels. The program aims to help businesses that face obstacles in accessing capital, which is essential for their recovery efforts. The funding through this program will be available until August 31, 2025.

Governor Abbott reaffirmed the state’s commitment to aiding families and businesses in their recovery journey following the massive flooding. He has encouraged CDFIs to participate in the program actively and assist qualifying micro-businesses in their respective communities.

The flooding disaster has been officially recognized, prompting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve the inclusion of three additional counties – Coke, Concho, and Williamson – to the Major Disaster Declaration previously issued by President Trump. In total, 26 counties in Texas are now covered under this declaration.

Residents of six counties—Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson—are eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Those affected can seek federal aid by applying at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. This assistance can provide financial help for temporary housing, home and vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and even funeral costs related to the flooding. Notably, the maximum assistance per individual can reach $87,200, with caps set at $43,600 for housing-related aid and another $43,600 for other needs.

To qualify for FEMA assistance, individuals must demonstrate that they have suffered damages due to the flooding, that they are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens, and that their needs are not fully covered by insurance. With confirmed deaths related to the floods in counties including Kerr, Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson, and Tom Green, local officials have reported over 130 casualties, with many still unaccounted for.

The catastrophic flooding in Texas has inflicted severe damage on numerous properties. Resources are now being mobilized from both federal and local levels to ensure support for affected individuals and families. In addition to financial assistance, the state is offering crisis support hotlines and volunteer assistance programs aimed at helping those in need.

Despite multiple warnings issued by the National Weather Service regarding the impending floods, some residents reported not receiving timely alerts. In the wake of the disaster, communities can now also access property tax exemptions on damaged estates as offered under state disaster declarations.

Local organizations are stepping up to provide volunteer assistance to those impacted by the floods. To further support victims, a benefit concert and candlelight vigils are being organized to raise awareness and funds for recovery efforts. These initiatives highlight the resilience of Texas communities as they come together to assist their neighbors during this time of crisis.

As recovery efforts continue, Texans in the affected areas are reminded of the available resources and assistance through local and state programs aimed at rebuilding their lives and businesses.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

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