Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has renewed the drought disaster declaration in several counties in the state. The proclamation, issued on July 8, 2022, has been amended and renewed multiple times since then. The declaration was made in response to exceptional drought conditions that posed a threat of imminent disaster.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that these drought conditions continue to exist in several counties across the state. However, there are a few counties, including Caldwell, Chambers, Childress, Gonzales, and Hardeman, among others, where the drought conditions have improved.

In accordance with the authority vested in him by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has amended and renewed the proclamation. The disaster is now declared in Atascosa, Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Calhoun, Cameron, and several other counties.

Governor Abbott has also authorized the use of all available resources of state government and political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster. This includes suspending any regulatory statute or order that would hinder necessary action in response to the drought.

Furthermore, the Governor has authorized the suspension of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement that would impede emergency response efforts. This ensures that state agencies can take the necessary actions to protect life and property during this declared disaster.

The Governor's proclamation will be filed with the applicable authorities as required by law.

In light of this renewed drought disaster declaration, residents and officials in the affected counties are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the drought.

Governor Abbott's office can be contacted for further information or assistance regarding the drought disaster declaration.