Abbott requests additional SBA assistance for counties impacted by July flooding

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott requested a U.S. Small Business Administration rural area disaster declaration following the July 4 flooding that resulted in at least 135 death and between $18 billion and $22 billion in total damage.

The counties requested in the declaration include Coke, Concho, Kendall, Mason, and Sutton, according to the press release.

“Texas continues to support communities and Texans who are working to recover from the devastating floods that took place over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I requested additional federal assistance to ensure that families and businesses in these affected areas have access to the support they need. Texas will continue to provide all necessary resources to help Texans recover and rebuild.” 

If Abbott’s request is granted, the SBA would grant the counties access to home disaster loans, business physical disaster loans, and the economic injury disaster loan program. These low-interest loans are designed to help qualifying homeowners, renters and businesses the funding they need to recover from a disaster.

On July 11, Travis, Williamson, San Saba, Burnet, and Tom Green counties received SBA assistance after Abbott requested Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance related to the July 4 flooding.