Gov. Abbot issues disaster declaration for 18 counties impacted by catastrophic flooding

HOUSTON – Gov. Greg Abbott issued a State Disaster Declaration Tuesday for 18 counties that have been impacted by severe weather and flooding.

Abbott said the recent weather has caused widespread property damage and threatened loss of life, naming Bastrop, Burnet, Colorado, Fayette, Hood, Jim Wells, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, Live Oak, Llano, Mason, McMullen, Nueces, Real, San Patricio, Travis and Williamson counties in his declaration.

He authorized the use of available resources of state government and political subdivisions that are necessary to cope with the disaster.

“Any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor,” he said in a statement. “However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.”

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