Texas forms committees for disaster preparedness, flood relief

AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL) — The Texas Senate and Texas House have announced the creation of select committees for Disaster Preparedness and Flooding following the disastrous floods in the Texas Hill Country.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows announced the creation of these committees on July 10, just under two weeks away from Governor Greg Abbott’s special legislative session, which will address the implementation of flood warning and relief systems. Both Patrick and Burrows will appoint nine members to each chamber committee.

“The creation of both the House and Senate’s Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding is just the beginning of the Legislature looking at every aspect of this tragic event,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas. In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers. I look forward to working with Speaker Burrows on these critical issues.”

“Our hearts are with the families across Texas who lost loved ones or saw their homes and livelihoods swept away in the recent, catastrophic floods. In the face of such devastation, Texans deserve swift, united action,” said Speaker Dustin Burrows. “I’m grateful to Lt. Gov. Patrick and the Senate for partnering with the House in this effort, ensuring both chambers move in lockstep from day one of the special session. With only 30 days to act, we must make every moment count. This effort is about moving quickly to help Texans recover and laying the foundation to better protect our communities—and our children—from future disasters.”

These two committees will be a part of the special session, going over items like:

• Flood Warning Systems
• Flood Emergency Communications
• Relief Funding for Hill Country Floods
• Natural Disaster Preparation & Recovery

The first hearing for these committees will be on July 23, with a second hearing to be held the following week in Kerrville, giving residents the chance to express their opinions. The date of that meeting has not been announced.

The committees will work together to address the current needs and resources necessary to avoid devastating impacts on Texas rivers in the future. If solutions emerge that are not on the call, both the House and the Senate are committed to advocating for their ultimate passage.