Gov. Greg Abbott seeking federal help for Dallas-area residents affected by floods

Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking approval for federal funds to help the Dallas region recover from last month’s historic flooding.

Abbott’s office said after reviewing damage reports made to the State of Texas Individual Assessment Tool, state and local officials believe affected residents in the region could qualify for loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster grant programs. The governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to begin discussing the area’s eligibility with the SBA.

If approved, residents and businesses in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman and Rockwall counties would be eligible for assistance. Loans through the program would be long-term and low-interest, Abbott’s office said.

“The State of Texas thanks all North Texas residents impacted by the August flooding event who submitted damage information through the self-reporting damage surveys,” Abbott said in a written statement Wednesday. “This information has helped local and state officials determine eligibility for federal assistance, and we are working swiftly to help Texans and ensure our communities are provided with all resources available at the state and federal level to recover.”

Thunderstorms drenched North Texas on Aug. 22, flooding homes, causing widespread power outages and killing at least one person. Experts described the storms as a thousand-year event.

Up to 15 inches of rain fell across the region, prompting Abbott to sign a disaster declaration for 23 counties. As much as $6 billion in damages and economic loss were estimated after the downpour.