PRESS RELEASE — Sep 23, 2017

AUSTIN — Today the Texas General Land Office (GLO) announced the signing of a finalized agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) outlining the programs and funding mechanisms for the immediate disaster assistance housing needs for the state's initial Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. The GLO, in partnership with the Councils of Government (COGs), will work with local officials from affected regions to determine which program options will best address the needs of individual communities. These programs will provide multiple options designed to allow residents to shelter in their own houses or nearby in their home communities while continuing the long-term rebuilding process.

"With the magnitude of the damage from Hurricane Harvey, there is no doubt this will require a long recovery," said Commissioner George P. Bush. "This agreement marks the beginning of a new model for simplifying and expediting the transition out of sheltering to short-term and long-term housing recovery efforts. The primary objective is to provide flexibility and options so that the effort can be locally led, state supported, and federally funded."

The GLO has launched an informational website, www.TexasRebuilds.com, for both individuals and local governments to access information about the disaster assistance housing options available through FEMA. The new site is fully responsive, meaning that it works whether users are accessing it on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The website includes information about the disaster assistance housing options as well as links to register with FEMA, how to contact the FEMA hotline, and more.

Local government immediate disaster assistance housing options:

Multi-Family Lease and Repair:

• Direct assistance to repair or improve existing multi-family housing such as apartments in order to provide more housing for survivors.
• Properties must be three or more units, with each unit providing complete living facilities for cooking, eating, and sanitation. Hotels, motels, and extended stay hotels are not eligible at this time.

Direct Leasing:

• Direct Leasing: Enables local governments to lease a property that typically would not be available to the public, such as corporate lodging.
• Local government enters into the lease agreement on behalf of individuals or households. Various types of housing properties may be eligible.

Manufactured Housing Options (Mobile Homes and Recreational Vehicles):

• Direct housing places manufactured housing units on private land or commercial pads.
• Local permitting may apply.
• Site must be suitable. Hauling and installation included.
• An inspection of the site to determine suitability will be scheduled.

Partial Repair and Essential Power for Sheltering (PREPS):

• PREPS provides minor repairs to homes in locations with limitedhousing options.
• For eligible properties that have incurred limited damage displacing individuals from their homes.
• PREPS provides basic, emergency home repairs - not to include finish work.

Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repair:

• Program provides partial repairs to homes with significant damages.
• Program can include partial repairs to a damaged home where alternative housing is not available or is not cost-effective.
• FEMA will determine eligibility for permanent housing construction on a case-by-case basis.
• All other forms of housing assistance must be exhausted before the program can be considered.

To be considered for assistance, individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey must first register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

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