What this is
Texas sets aside $324 million for disaster recovery, flood warnings, and emergency radio systems after recent storms.
Texas House Bill 5 directs the state to spend $324 million on disaster relief and preparedness. The bill breaks down into four main areas of funding, each designed to help our communities recover from and prepare for severe weather events.
The first section sets aside $200 million to match federal disaster relief funds and support state disaster recovery efforts. This money comes from Texas's economic stabilization fund and helps the state take full advantage of federal assistance available after disasters like flooding and severe storms.
The second section allocates $50 million in grants to 29 counties in the Hill Country region, including Travis, Bexar, and Williamson counties. These grants help local governments install flood warning sirens and rain gauges. Early warning systems save lives by giving families time to reach safety when floods approach.
The bill requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of the Texas Legislature to pass. These investments strengthen our state's ability to protect residents and speed recovery after natural disasters.
Read full text
The third section provides $24 million to improve weather forecasting and flood warning systems. Better weather predictions help our communities prepare and respond faster to storms. The fourth section sets aside $50 million for emergency radio systems that let police, firefighters, and emergency responders communicate with each other during crises.
Key details
- Total funding: $324 million
- FEMA matching funds: $200 million
- Flood warning systems: $50 million
- Counties eligible for grants: 29 counties
- Weather forecasting funding: $24 million
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
Visit website →Where it reaches
- Phone
- 512-463-4630
This and 7 more nearby in Our Environment — tap a dot to open it.
Why it matters
This is part of Our Environment — environment, climate, and the land we share.
How this affects households
Under $30,000
This funding helps you stay safer during disasters with better warning systems and faster emergency response. Lower-income families often live in flood-prone areas and have fewer resources to evacuate quickly.
$30,000-$60,000
You benefit from improved flood warnings and emergency communications that help protect your family and property. These safety improvements matter for all working families.
$60,000-$100,000
Better disaster preparedness helps protect your home and family, though you likely have more resources to handle emergencies on your own. The improved warning systems still provide valuable safety benefits.
Over $100,000
You gain some benefit from better emergency systems, but you typically have more resources to prepare for and recover from disasters independently. The impact on your household is smaller than for lower-income families.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read why it matters so you can speak to it in your own words.
- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "Texas Bill Makes 324 Million Dollars Available for Disaster Relief" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
Connections
6 connections — tap a node to open it.
By the numbers
Connections6
Nearby in Our Environment7
Led byTexas Legislature
Counted from the Community Exchange connection graph.