(Houston, TX) – The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has published the rules for the Federal Register governing the release of HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) funds for mitigation projects. This action was spurred by the passage of H.R. 2157, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, which included Fletcher’s bipartisan amendment, which set a deadline to publish the rules.

In 2018, Congress appropriated $28 billion in CDBG-DR funds to rebuild after disasters and mitigate against future storms. $4.383 billion of those funds were allocated to Texas as it recovered from Hurricane Harvey. More than a year later, Texas does not have the funds Congress appropriated because HUD had not published the rules governing their use in the Federal Register. This publication is a critical step in the recovery process.

“Two years ago, Hurricane Harvey deluged our Houston area in an unprecedented rain event, ultimately becoming one of the worst storms in United States’ history.

“Houstonians responded immediately with an outpouring of compassion, support, and creative solutions to the myriad problems our neighbors faced—whether canoes, clean clothes, or home-cooked food. We learned valuable lessons, including what we can accomplish when we come together as a community, as neighbors and as leaders. And it is critical that we apply those lessons for the future.

“That’s why I have been working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve the recovery process and better prepare for future storms since the day I was sworn in to Congress. Part of doing that is making sure that we deliver the funds we need for recovery. I am proud that these bipartisan efforts culminated in the legislation that was incorporated into the supplemental appropriations bill requiring the publication of these rules. When we work together to solve a problem, we get things done.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our elected leaders in Houston, Austin, and Washington to make sure the next steps in this process are carried out efficiently and effectively,” said Congresswoman Fletcher.