Texas General Land Office Outlines Disaster Mitigation Plan

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has published a report detailing how it plans to spend $4 billion in federal disaster relief funds. The money has been allocated to the state of Texas for mitigation efforts, and Gov. Greg Abbott has designated the GLO to oversee the funds on behalf of the state.

The mitigation funds will be used to reduce future losses in areas impacted by previous natural disasters and increase resiliency in Texas communities.

As part of its plan, the GLO has detailed eligibility criteria, eligible applicants, and maximum award amounts. All mitigation activities must address areas affected by the state’s 2015 floods, 2016 floods, and Hurricane Harvey. The GLO will allocate funds to local governments and applicants for local and regional mitigation projects and planning, and it will implement state-run housing programs to reconstruct residences damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

The GLO will accept public comments on the draft plan until January 6, 2020. The final plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by February 3, 2020, for approval. The GLO will accept comments by email or in person at one of four public hearings held in December.