Cornyn Supports Abbott Request for Federal Support for North Texas Flooding
As more Texans report damages, I respectfully request that SBA work quickly to determine the state's eligibility for assistance and provide relief to Texans in need.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) wrote a letter to U.S. Small Business Administrator Guzman today supporting Texas Governor Abbott’s request for federal assistance to businesses and individuals impacted by the flooding in North Texas last month.
“I write in support of Governor Abbott’s request that the Small Business Administration (SBA) provide assistance to businesses and individuals impacted by severe weather events,” Sen. Cornyn wrote. “As you know, my state is still recovering from major flooding that affected North Texas in August. I am grateful for the ongoing work of the SBA to help Texans get back on their feet.”
Full text of the letter can be found below.
September 13, 2022
The Honorable Isabella Casillas Guzman
Administrator
United States Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20416
Dear Administrator Guzman:
I write in support of Governor Abbott’s request that the Small Business Administration (SBA) provide assistance to businesses and individuals impacted by severe weather events. As you know, my state is still recovering from major flooding that affected North Texas in August. I am grateful for the ongoing work of the SBA to help Texans get back on their feet.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management utilizes the “Individual Assistance State of Texas Assessment Tool” (iSTAT) to collect damage data from individuals who have suffered some form of harm to their property during natural disasters. This standardized method simplifies the damage survey process for local officials and everyday Texans. It is designed to comply with SBA requirements to ensure taxpayer funding only goes to businesses in need.
State officials believe that of the more than 1,200 submissions to the iSTAT reporting tool, over 75 provide adequate damages to qualify Dallas and contiguous counties for federal disaster assistance through the SBA. As more Texans report damages, I respectfully request that SBA work quickly to determine the state’s eligibility for assistance and provide relief to Texans in need.
Thank you for your assistance and consideration.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator