State and local officials commit to the long haul in getting Jasper County back on her feet

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Robert Nichols, Jasper County Judge Mark Allen among others held meeting today regarding the devastating results of Hurricane Beryl.

President Biden stated earlier today, FEMA assistance has been later than needed, because Texas officials did not declare disaster early enough. However as local and State officials know, disaster was declared before Hurricane Beryl ever made land fall in Texas.

Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management said, "We were here today to talk to the local officials here in the area to talk about their needs and what we can do to continue to support their efforts. They're on a great track right now and the response has been good and the road to recovery is going to be even better. We're going to continue to do tree clearing and get the power up as soon as possible for the families in the area. Damage assessment teams will go out tomorrow morning to try to assess the damage to find out what federal assistance you qualify for."

When asked about President Biden's statement, Kidd said, "yes the disaster declaration was made before the hurricane ever made landfall. Tomorrow morning local FEMA offices will be open. You guys are dealing with two different disasters. The offices will continue to handle the flooding disaster (from April and May) and there will be FEMA workers on hand to do the damage assessment for the current disaster I believe at 10:00 a.m. in the morning that's the time that I've been quoted. People cannot register for the damage assessment or assistance yet. We are working with our Federal partners to decide what assistance is needed. People can go to https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/ to register their damages and begin that process".

When asked how long they plan to stay in the area, Kidd said, "Until we're done".