Trump declares RGV disaster area

July 07--EDINBURG -- Individuals in Hidalgo and Cameron counties can begin to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage stemming from the June flooding after President Donald Trump granted a federal disaster declaration Friday.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced the president's decision in a news release Friday -- more than two weeks after severe weather hit the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend. Abbott formally requested the aid last week during a visit to the Emergency Operations Center in Edinburg, where he received a briefing from local officials on the flooding and ongoing recovery efforts.

"I thank the President and his Administration for their swift response to aid Texans in the Rio Grande Valley as they continue to recover from these devastating floods," the governor said in a prepared statement. "Going forward, the State of Texas will continue to work with local leaders to ensure the needs of those affected by the floods are being met."

Local lawmakers repeatedly called on the president for help, with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, being one of the most vocal. He wrote a series of letters to officials in Texas and Washington D.C., urging them to help, including two to Trump and FEMA Administrator William B. Long.

"I thank President Trump for approving our request, which will allow us to recover and rebuild," Gonzalez said, urging residents to apply for assistance. "Our office stands ready to assist on Monday morning."

His office can be reached by calling (956) 682-5545.

A more complete version of this story is available on www.myBrownsvilleHerald.com

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