Gov. Perry Urges HUD to End Delays on Texas Hurricane Recovery Funding

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry sent a letter yesterday to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan urging the expedited approval of Texas’ disaster recovery funding.  HUD claimed last week that “there is no compelling need to immediately approve” Texas’ application for continued recovery funding for hurricanes Ike and Dolly.

“HUDs comment is an insult to every Texan whose home or business was destroyed or damaged by hurricanes Ike or Dolly,” Gov. Perry said. “Hurricane Ike was the costliest storm in history to strike Texas, and this process should not stand in the way of assistance for disaster victims.”

The governor’s letter addresses claims made in a letter from Assistant HUD Secretary Mercedes Marquez rejecting the state's application for the second round of funding for hurricanes Ike and Dolly recovery. Texas received $1.3 billion in Round One funding and was slated to receive $1.7 billion in Round Two.

“Unless this is resolved soon, it will be Texans who will ultimately bear the brunt of the costs for recovery. Therefore, I also urge our Congressional delegation to make it clear to HUD that we will not stand for weeks and months of further delay,” Gov. Perry said.

To view the governor’s letter, please visit click the link below.