AUSTIN — Texas General Land Office Commissioner George P. Bush is pleased to announce that the Community Development & Revitalization program has reallocated $200,000 from the state administration budget to be used for essential infrastructure project and assist Bastrop County as it works to recover from the 2011 wildfires. 

"The Texas General Land Office's Community Development & Revitalization program plays a vital role in helping communities affected by disasters with long-term recovery," said Commissioner Bush. "The 2011 wildfires season devastated Central Texas, particularly Bastrop County, and the reallocation of these funds will help continue the rebuilding efforts and restore a sense of comfort and community spirit. I appreciate Rep. Cyrier's leadership in giving voice to the recovery needs of this vibrant community."

The 2011 wildfire season was one of the worst in recent memory. In total, 3.9 million acres and approximately 5,900 structures were damaged or destroyed from November 15, 2010, through October 31, 2011. Bastrop County specifically experienced the most destructive fire with a final count of 34,457 acres burned and 3,017 homes destroyed or severely damaged. Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds are invaluable in the recovery of communities affected by disasters and serve to close the gap of unmet needs. Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds are an invaluable GLO administered resource, assisting Texans and our impacted communities to recover from the devastating impact of disasters and serve to close the gap between that assistance provided by Texas Division of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, insurance and additional unmet needs.

"The people of Central Texas are resilient, hard-working and proud to help one another in moments of crisis," said Rep. John Cyrier. "When disaster strikes, communication is critical. This is why I am proud to work with our GLO partners to use these critical funds towards completion of a new radio tower to improve disaster communications in Bastrop County."

This will take effect through an amendment that is posted on TexasRebuilds.org for public comment, and will then be submitted to HUD for approval. 

About GLO Disaster Recovery 

The Texas General Land Office administers, on behalf of the State of Texas, community development block grant-disaster recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Texas was allocated $3.1 billion for hurricanes Ike and Dolly and $36.3 million as a result of the 2011 wildfires.

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