Twice within a few months, Hays County has seen the power of nature with bent and broken trees, debris littering the area, and flood damage to homes and businesses. In San Marcos, Kyle, Wimberley, Martindale and surrounding areas, much of this damage was a repeat of the tragic Memorial Day floods. Halloween was clearly all trick and no treat. I know recovery has been burdensome and frustrating.
Federal law required an assessment of all flood damage to verify that enough families were impacted to satisfy the required disaster level. With that assessment finally complete and President Obama’s approval of a State request, federal aid is now available for eligible individuals and businesses in Hays and Caldwell Counties.
Individual Assistance will be released to individuals and businesses through FEMA. For families, individual assistance can provide money and services in the declared area for losses that are uninsured or underinsured. Examples of potential assistance include housing repairs, temporary housing, transportation, medical, moving, and storage. Households will be able to submit receipts for work already done since the flooding for possible reimbursement. For a complete list of what can be reimbursed under Individual Assistance, please visit http://www.fema.gov/recovery-directorate/assistance-individuals-and-households
Individual Assistance was also promptly granted following our recent Memorial Day floods. It’s important to note that households granted assistance previously are still eligible to receive additional aid if they sustained additional damage in October. Up to $33,000 is available for most households for qualified necessary expenses and serious needs not satisfied through other means, though flood insurance may be required. Eligibility requirements vary on a case-by-case basis.
To determine eligibility for help with storm losses, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585(TTY), or register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. If you use 711 relay or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362 directly.
While we have been successful in securing federal aid, there will likely be some unique problems on which I will be ready to respond. If you have questions regarding these developments, CD 35 constituents may contact my local office or email me at Lloyd.Doggett@mail.house.gov. I will continue posting updates at facebook.com/lloyddoggett and Twitter at @RepLloydDoggett.
Congressman Lloyd Doggett represents much of San Marcos and Kyle in Hays County and parts of five other counties.
