Federal Funding Available for Those Impacted by Imelda

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a list of federal aid programs for the state of Texas following Tropical Storm Imelda. These programs include rental payments for temporary housing, grants for home repair and personal property replacement, unemployment payments, and loans for residential losses and small businesses, among others. Individuals and business owners can begin applying for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

On October 4, 2019, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance had been made available in Texas to supplement recovery efforts in areas affected by Imelda. A presidential disaster declaration was issued, making federal funding available to those in Chambers, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, and Orange counties.

According to FEMA, more than 10,000 flood insurance claims have already been filed in Texas related to Tropical Storm Imelda, and about $45 million has been paid in advance claims. In an effort to address large flooding losses, FEMA has issued guidance for homeowners and renters on procuring flood insurance and has created guidelines for those whose homes were damaged due to Imelda.