Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has renewed the drought disaster declaration that was initially issued in July 2022. The proclamation certifies that exceptional drought conditions pose a threat of imminent disaster in several counties in Texas.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that the drought conditions still exist in these counties, except for Austin, Bee, Brazos, and several others. As a result, Governor Abbott has declared a disaster in Atascosa, Bandera, Bastrop, Bell, Bexar, and many more counties.

In accordance with the authority vested in him by the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has authorized the use of all available resources of state government and political subdivisions to cope with this disaster. He has also suspended any regulatory statute or order that could hinder necessary action in dealing with the drought.

Governor Abbott's proclamation states, "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."

The governor has filed copies of this proclamation with the relevant authorities, as required by law.

The renewed drought disaster declaration comes as Texas continues to face severe drought conditions, which have had a significant impact on agriculture, water supply, and the overall economy of the affected areas. The declaration allows for the mobilization of resources and coordination of efforts to mitigate the effects of the drought and provide assistance to affected communities.

Governor Abbott's actions highlight the state's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by drought conditions and ensuring the well-being of Texans. As the drought situation persists, it is crucial for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to conserve water and minimize the impact of the drought on their communities.

The renewed drought disaster declaration serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures and preparedness in dealing with natural disasters. By declaring a disaster and mobilizing resources, Governor Abbott aims to alleviate the impact of the drought and ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.

As Governor Abbott stated in his proclamation, "This disaster declaration will enable us to provide the necessary support and resources to the affected areas, and I urge all Texans to take the appropriate precautions and conserve water during this challenging time."

The governor's office encourages residents and businesses in the affected counties to stay informed about the drought conditions and follow any guidance or restrictions issued by local authorities. By working together and implementing water conservation measures, Texas can overcome the challenges posed by the drought and emerge stronger and more resilient.

For more information about the drought disaster declaration and resources available to affected communities, visit the Office of the Texas Governor's website.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-renews-drought-disaster-declaration-in-december-2023