Fall Flooding in Texas Triggers Federal Aid

President Barack Obama has ordered federal aid to help state and local recovery efforts in areas of Central Texas hit with severe storms and flooding in late October.

Obama on Friday declared a major disaster exists in the area. This includes the counties of Caldwell, Hays and Travis. The heavy rains on Oct. 30-31 caused rivers and creeks to swell and triggered flash flooding across the area.

Federal funding will now be available to state and eligible local governments and some nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis. The funds can help with emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storms and flooding in those counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures across the state.