Help Is Here: Rep. August Pfluger secures federal aid for Tom Green, San Saba counties

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (R-Texas) announced Thursday that Tom Green and San Saba counties have been officially added to the federal Major Disaster Declaration, making residents eligible for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

President Donald Trump approved the amended declaration, which now includes Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties for Individual Assistance. San Saba was also added to the list of counties eligible for Public Assistance, alongside Kendall, Kimble, and Menard counties.

“Texas has experienced unimaginable tragedy over the past week from these floods,” Pfluger said in a statement. “Several counties were hit especially hard, and while they face a long road to recovery, thankfully, they no longer have to face it alone.”

Pfluger credited local officials and residents with quickly compiling the necessary data to secure federal help.

You can read the amended declaration HERE

“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,” he said. “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.”

Local officials echoed Pfluger’s appreciation.

“All of our efforts in formulating the data needed from our citizens are finally coming to fruition,” said Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter. “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.”

San Saba County Judge Jody Fauley praised the federal response and emphasized the impact on smaller counties.

“It is a privilege to have a president who cares about our great state of Texas and even a small population county like San Saba,” Fauley said. “We express our gratitude to President Trump and his administration, with a special thanks to U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, for helping us through this disaster.”

In San Angelo, where floodwaters inundated entire neighborhoods, Mayor Tom Thompson said the declaration brings hope to residents.

“This means that residents of San Angelo may now be eligible to apply for individual assistance through FEMA,” Thompson said. “This IA declaration will also potentially open up additional federal recovery funding programs for our citizens and businesses.”

Thompson praised the outpouring of community support and credited the swift response of volunteers and residents who filled out damage assessments.

“To every citizen of San Angelo, you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished,” Thompson said. “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.”

Residents affected by the flooding are encouraged to apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.