BRIEF: Pharr learns about federal storm aid options

July 22--PHARR -- About 20 residents affected by last month's storms learned Tuesday how they can get help from the government, as Pharr held a disaster relief forum to inform the public of recovery options at its disposal.

A few questions came from the sparse crowd at the city's events center, and fortunately, federal assistance is at their disposal. Since President Donald Trump issued a federal disaster declaration earlier this month, Cameron and Hidalgo County residents have the ability to apply for federal aid. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration presented those options to the crowd.

First, the agencies reminded citizens that a disaster recovery center opened Tuesday in Weslaco. Two more are set to open later in the week, one in Mission and another in McAllen, with another potentially coming to La Feria.

FEMA officials told residents to continue rebuilding their own homes, especially if they already began that process. The officials also encouraged everyone to keep receipts of all purchases.

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