Natural Disasters

Over the course of the biennium, Texas remains vulnerable to a number of natural disasters and emergencies from fires and floods, to hurricanes and tornadoes. In 2008 alone, Texas endured several major storms, requiring state agencies to mobilize quickly and coastal communities to evacuate. Hurricane Ike was the most destructive and costly hurricane in the state’s history.

Texas must have readily available resources to prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies, particularly in light of recent challenges in negotiating the federal bureaucracy for financial reimbursements and assistance. A disaster and emergency trust fund will allow Texas to better address the state’s needs in a timely manner.

I recommend $150 million in disaster and emergency appropriations for future natural disasters and other state emergencies for the 2010-11 biennium.