Dear Neighbor, I am honored and proud to represent you in the United States Congress. Representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District is a privilege and responsibility that I am committed to every day. This year has brought real challenges to our district, including the derecho in May and Hurricane Beryl in July. I know people across our district are still working to recover and worrying about possible future storms. I have worked with partners at every level of government to recover from this summer’s storms, and I will continue to do so. |
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I am writing to share some important information about federal resources available to you for recovery, where to find information to prepare, and work I am doing in Congress to help our community recover and rebuild more resilient infrastructure. |
The presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Beryl makes it possible for people in Harris and Fort Bend counties to receive disaster assistance from the federal government, including FEMA and the SBA. Please note, the deadlines to apply for some of these federal assistance programs are as early as September.
FEMA ASSISTANCE
Eligible residents with uninsured damages or losses caused by Hurricane Beryl can apply for FEMA disaster assistance to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. The deadline to apply is September 9, 2024.
To apply, homeowners and renters can: Texans who applied for FEMA assistance after the April 26-June 5 storms and flooding, and who had additional damage or losses from Hurricane Beryl, can make a separate application for Hurricane Beryl assistance.
SBA ASSISTANCE
Homeowners, renters, small businesses, and non-profits are eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), including: - Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans for businesses and non-profits to repair or replace disaster-damaged property.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Loans for small business and non-profits to meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster.
- Home Disaster Loans: Loans for homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.
Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance.
GET READY
FLOOD INSURANCE
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses to help mitigate the effects of flooding on homes, businesses, and properties.
For those applying for the NFIP, most policies take 30 days to take effect. And for those who already have a policy, please note that it does not renew automatically. It is important to start the process soon. Visit: FloodSmart.gov
SIGN UP FOR ALERTS
BUILD A KIT
Please visit the ReadyHarris Emergency Essentials Kit Checklist at bit.ly/EmergencyEssentialsKit.
Need extra assistance during emergencies?
Sign up with TDEM’s State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry here.
OTHER RESOURCES |
Through my work in Congress, I have secured direct funding to improve our flooding infrastructure and I have had my legislation to help improve the recovery process after a storm signed into law. |
COMMUNITY FUNDED PROJECTS Since 2021, I have secured more than $22 million in congressionally appropriated funding for several projects that will help TX-07 respond to flooding, including: - 9,950,000 to design and construct the Meyergrove Detention Basin, a 7.5-acre stormwater detention basin located on the southeastern side of North Braeswood at 610, which, according to Harris County Flood Control District, will convey more than 50 million gallons of stormwater away from nearby homes, businesses, and community institutions. Already under construction, it captured water during Hurricane Beryl that would have otherwise ended up in the streets.
- $9,886,000 to reconstruct Poor Farm Ditch in West University Place and Southside Place, reducing flood risk by improving stormwater capacity and enabling future maintenance.
- $959,752 to construct a detention basin and make drainage improvements to the Keegans Bayou Watershed to enhance the filtration of stormwater in the bayou and reduce flooding with green stormwater infrastructure features like native trees and grasses that will also help ensure cleaner air in surrounding neighborhoods.
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LEGISLATIVE WORK
- I introduced the Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act, H.R. 1917, which speeds up the storm recovery process by allowing local governments to begin recovery projects—including acquisitions and construction projects—and still qualify for federal funding. My bill passed Congress and President Biden signed it into law.
- I successfully fought for congressional authorization of the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Project, known to many as the “Ike Dike,” to protect our economic and national security interests along the Texas Gulf Coast.
- I have introduced the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, H.R 913, to help protect coastal communities like ours by creating a new stream of funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency projects.
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Every day, my team of constituent advocates work to serve TX-07 constituents on matters of all kinds before federal agencies, including in response to hurricanes and disasters. Call my office at (713) 353-8680 for more information.
Most important, I want you to know that my team and I are here to help you, and we look forward to doing so.
Our team helped TX-07 resident Silvio C. who shared his story:
“After I contacted Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, I received an immediate response from SBA in regards to my Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The process was long and frustrating, but thanks to her team, I got the response and funding in a matter of days. The program is amazing and helped save so many small businesses with grants and low interest loans. I am so thankful everything worked out and really appreciate her support.”
SILVIO C.
Please call my office at (713) 353-8680 or (202) 225-2571 or email here at any time to ask for assistance or share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes, |
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