Gov. Greg Abbott seeks federal aid 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.

On Tuesday, Abbott formally requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which would make some affected residents and businesses eligible for loans through the agency’s disaster grant programs

The governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to begin discussing the area’s eligibility with the SBA last week.

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

“The state of Texas continues working to ensure Texans impacted by flooding last month are able to receive the assistance and support needed to recover,” Abbott said in a written statement.

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

Up to 15 inches of rain fell in some areas, causing up to $6 billion in damage and economic loss. The governor signed a disaster declaration for 23 counties.