Greg Abbott announces federal disaster assistance for North Texas communities devastated by severe storms and tornadoes
Dallas, Texas – Communities across North Texas devastated by powerful storms and tornadoes are now set to receive federal recovery assistance after Governor Greg Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request for a disaster declaration tied to the severe weather outbreak that struck the region late last month.
The declaration covers several counties hit hard by the storms, including Cooke County, Denton County, Hood County, Jack County, Johnson County, Montague County, Palo Pinto County, Parker County, Tarrant County, and Wise County.
The approval opens the door for residents and businesses to seek financial assistance as recovery efforts continue in areas damaged by intense winds, tornadoes, and destructive storms that swept through the region during April.
“Texans affected by the severe storms in North Texas will now have access to additional resources needed for recovery,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for their work with the Trump Administration to assist Texans in need.”
Disaster Loans Now Available For Residents And Businesses
Under the federal declaration, the SBA will provide access to several disaster loan programs designed to help people rebuild after catastrophic weather events.
Officials said qualifying homeowners and renters may apply for Home Disaster Loans, while businesses affected by the storms can seek help through Business Physical Disaster Loans and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, commonly known as EIDL.
The low-interest loans are intended to help residents repair damaged homes, replace destroyed property, and support businesses struggling with financial losses caused by the storms.
State officials encouraged affected Texans to begin the application process as quickly as possible. Residents can apply online through the SBA disaster assistance portal, where applicants can also download forms and review additional information about available aid programs.
Authorities also announced that SBA representatives will open several Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in impacted communities to assist residents face-to-face with applications and questions.
One center opened at 9 a.m. in Runaway Bay at 513 Port O Call Drive. That location will operate weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Another outreach center is scheduled to begin operations in Springtown at 109 W 3rd Street starting tomorrow at 9 a.m. Officials said that site will remain open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
A third Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Monday in Mineral Wells at 4801 US-180. That office will also operate weekdays from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.
State Continues Severe Weather Response
Governor Abbott’s office said the state continues taking multiple steps to help communities impacted by the severe weather disaster.
Those actions include expanding the state’s severe weather disaster declaration to include affected coastal communities and directing the Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate joint preliminary damage assessments with local and federal officials.
The governor also previously requested SBA assistance for storm-damaged communities, added Palo Pinto County to the disaster declaration, issued emergency declarations tied to the North Texas storms, and activated state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather threats.
The recovery process is expected to continue for weeks as homeowners, businesses, and local governments work to repair the widespread damage left behind by the storms and tornadoes.
