Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has renewed and amended a disaster proclamation initially issued on July 8, 2022, addressing ongoing drought conditions in Texas. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has verified that these drought conditions persist across several counties, excluding Comal, Comanche, Denton, Gillespie, Hamilton, Hemphill, and Lipscomb.

In accordance with Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott declared a disaster in numerous counties including Aransas, Archer, Atascosa, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Burnet among others.

Governor Abbott stated: "I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster," as per Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code.

He also mentioned that any regulatory statute or rule hindering necessary actions during this disaster would be suspended upon approval from his office. "However," he added, "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... I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster."

The proclamation will be filed with relevant authorities as required by law. The announcement was made official with Governor Abbott's signature and the State Seal affixed in Austin on October 26th.