The federal declaration of disaster San Angelo has been awaiting was granted Friday, and local leaders, led by US Rep. August Pfluger, expressed their deepest gratitude to President Donald Trump for including Tom Green County on the official list.
During a press conference at City Hall Friday afternoon, local officials gave updates on several areas of concern.
“Texas has experienced unimaginable tragedy over the past week from these floods,” said Rep. Pfluger in a press release. “Several counties were hit especially hard, and while they face a long road to recovery, thankfully, they no longer have to face it alone.
“I am grateful that President Trump has officially added Tom Green and San Saba counties to the Major Disaster Declaration, allowing them to receive the critical assistance they need.
“My team and I have worked closely with local leaders and officials throughout the week to gather the necessary data to secure this support. I’m always proud to be a Texan—especially in moments like this, when I see our community come together in the moments that matter most.”
“I’m so grateful for President Trump including Tom Green County in his major disaster declaration,” said Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter, in the press release from Rep. Pfluger’s office.
“All of our efforts in formulating the data needed from our citizens are finally coming to fruition. We owe a huge thanks to Congressman August Pfluger and his office for assisting with this and moving the ball down the field. With the declaration, our citizens will now have the possibility of applying for federal funds to aid in their recovery.
“Without the declaration, this wouldn’t be possible. We owe a tremendous amount of thanks to the volunteers who assisted our citizens in this effort. The recovery efforts are one step at a time, but at this rate, we will overcome! Tom Green County Strong!”
“Citizens of San Angelo and Tom Green County, with this newly announced FEMA IA disaster declaration, the efforts of our citizens over the past six days have truly paid off,” said San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson, in the same press release.
“This means that residents of San Angelo may now be eligible to apply for individual assistance through FEMA. This IA declaration will also potentially open up additional federal recovery funding programs for our citizens & businesses.
“On behalf of the City, I want to sincerely thank every person who completed a disaster assessment and every volunteer who stepped up to help. This is a great step forward towards the road of recovery for our community.
“We will continue to share recovery program information updates as they become available. To every citizen of San Angelo—you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Thank you.
“A special thank you to President Trump, Rep. August Pfluger, Sen. Charles Perry, Rep. Drew Darby, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Sen. John Cornyn for their assistance in getting this designation for our community.”
Available Assistance
The federal disaster declaration opens several new avenues of assistance for people impacted by the flooding.
If you have been impacted by the floods, please visit the FEMA website to request support.
In response to the disaster declaration issued by President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest rate federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, residents, and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding beginning July 2.
If you are located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?
Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
