Washington, DC -
Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that Texas will receive $1.7 billion for continued rebuilding of the Texas Coast from 2008’s Hurricane Ike.
“I am glad HUD realizes that there are areas still recovering from Hurricane Ike, and the $1.7 billion announced today will help with the damage that still lingers along the Texas Coast,” said Rep. Gene Green. “While I thank HUD for their continued support, federal commitment is still not at the level it should be, considering that Hurricane Ike is the second costliest Hurricane in history. Those who lost their homes and businesses need increased commitment and cooperation from all levels of government.”
Ike inflicted an estimated $50 billion in total losses to our local Texas communities. Of the $50 billion in damages, $29.4 billion is not reimbursable by FEMA, insurance, or other subsidies. Before this, the state had received less than $4 billion in federal aid. Other members of the Texas delegation have also responded to the announcement.
“There is vast damage that still exists today along the Texas Gulf Coast, so it is vital that this funding moves quickly toward ongoing relief efforts,” said Congressman Chet Edwards, the senior Texas member on the House Appropriations Committee. “The victims of Hurricane Ike, who lost their homes, businesses and their livelihoods, need federal, state, and local authorities to continue to work together diligently to rebuild and recover.”
Texas has had more than $14,000,000,000 in hard losses from Hurricane Ike that include damages to vital infrastructure, roads, crops, schools, utilities and social services in which these additional CDBG funding could help offset.
“There is still more that we can do for our communities affected by this disaster,” said Green. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to assure that our hardest hit communities receive the assistance they need from all levels of government.”
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