Texas residents and businesses recovering from wildfires and storms gain access to low-interest disaster loans as the State of Texas secures SBA disaster declarations
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has secured crucial federal assistance for Texans recovering from the devastating Welder Fire in South Texas and the severe storms that tore through North Texas earlier this month. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved his request for disaster declarations, unlocking financial aid for affected homeowners, renters, and business owners in impacted counties.
“Today, my requests for two disaster declarations were approved – one for severe weather in North Texas and the Welder Fire in South Texas,” said Governor Abbott.
“These disaster declarations will provide impacted Texans with access to low-interest loans to help them rebuild and recover. Texas is home to the best emergency management team in the nation, and I thank them for responding to these simultaneous, multifaceted challenges. Working together with our federal partners, we will ensure Texans across the state have what they need to move forward.”
The SBA’s approval extends critical support to multiple counties. The wildfire declaration covers Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio, while the severe weather declaration applies to Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant. This aid package includes Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), helping individuals and businesses get back on their feet after facing widespread destruction.
The assistance comes at a crucial time, as communities in South Texas continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Welder Fire. The fast-moving wildfire scorched thousands of acres, displacing families and damaging homes, farms, and businesses. Meanwhile, North Texas residents are dealing with extensive storm damage, with tornadoes and severe winds leveling buildings and cutting power to thousands.
Texans in the affected areas can apply for SBA assistance online at sba.gov/disaster or by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can access telecommunications relay services by dialing 7-1-1. Additionally, completed applications should be mailed to the SBA’s Processing and Disbursement Center in Fort Worth.
Governor Abbott has been working relentlessly to ensure that state and federal resources are mobilized quickly. His administration has obtained multiple Fire Management Assistance Grants, activated emergency response resources, and increased the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of worsening wildfire conditions and storm threats.
As recovery efforts continue, state and federal agencies will collaborate to assess damages and distribute assistance efficiently. For now, affected Texans are encouraged to take advantage of the available aid to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities in the wake of these natural disasters.
