Dear Friend,
It's hard to believe it's been three weeks since Hurricane Harvey was making it's way toward the Texas Coast. These have been a long three weeks, but UNITED we will recover and be stronger than before. Recovery will be a long process, but my staff and I are here as resources for you.
Tomorrow, I am hosting two events: "Kolaches with the Congressman" and "Cookies with the Congressman."
"Kolaches with the Congressman" is Saturday September 16, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Jack Brooks Regional Airport Conference Room (5000 Jerry Ware Drive, Beaumont, TX 77705).
"Cookies with the Congressman" is Saturday September 16, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Dickinson City Hall (4403 TX-3, Dickinson, TX 77539).
Both events are a meet and greet, giving us a chance to discuss important issues. Given the destruction Hurricane Harvey brought, a FEMA and SBA representative will also be present to help answer questions regarding registration and disaster assistance. I hope to see you there.
Below are resources my staff and I turn to time and time again as we assist in the recovery process and rebuild our own lives.
For regularly updated information, please visit my Harvey Resources webpage — www.weber.house.gov/constituent-services/harvey-resource.htm
Sincerely,
Randy K. Weber
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| Disaster Recovery Centers |
At this moment, Texas 14 has four Disaster Recovery Centers. More are expected in the coming weeks. Their locations and hours are as follows. Disaster Recovery Centers are a one-stop shop for aid with disaster assistance.
DRC: The former Goodwill Building (Jefferson County)
3871 Stagg Drive, Unit 166
Beaumont TX 77701
Opened: 09/12/17
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mobile Disaster Relief Center (Jefferson County)
Right across from St. Mary's Hospital
9th Ave. & Gates Blvd.
Port Arthur, TX 77642
Opened: 09/07/2017
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
DRC: Webster Civic Center (Galveston County)
311 Pennsylvania Avenue
Webster, TX 77598
Opened: 09/14/2017
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
DRC: Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center (Galveston County)
400 West Walker Street
League City TX 77573
Opened: 09/15/2017
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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| Disaster Claims |
Residents and business in declared counties who sustained disaster related damage due to Hurricane Harvey may apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Registering online is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance. If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). If you use 711 relay or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362 directly. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
To file a flood insurance claim under the NFIP, contact your insurance agent immediately. You can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) – select option 2 – to learn more about your policy, and be directed to the appropriate claims resource.
The Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate provides general education and guidance on the National Flood Insurance Program. They have resources on NFIP flood insurance, hazard mitigation assistance, flood hazard mapping, and floodplain management at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-flood-insurance-advocate.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering assistance. Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Texas businesses and residents. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure web site at www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call (800) 659-2955.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has resources for those recovering from a disaster. More information may be found on www.portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/info/disasterresources.
For help with insurance questions and recovery resources, visit Texas Department of Insurance's Help After Harvey website — www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/storms/helpafterharvey.html
Texas HB 1774 does not change the insurance claims process. Furthermore, the new law will not apply to most claims or lawsuits arising from Harvey, because most of the policyholders’ claims will be for damage caused by flooding. These claims will be made through NFIP and governed by federal law. |
| Clean Up and Rebuilding |
FEMA is working with Texas Workforce Commission to hire Texas residents for Hurricane Harvey recovery jobs. The first step for those seeking employment is to register at www.WorkinTexas.com, the Texas Workforce Commission’s website, where application instructions are posted.
Veterans Affairs (VA) - All VA centers and clinics in the TX14 area are operating normally, with the exception of Beaumont, which sustained some flood damage. The VA is reaching out to Beaumont patients and working with them on a case-by-case basis. For up to date VA information, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs created a Hurricane Harvey Updates page — www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/hurricane-harvey
The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) is offering tax relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Their press release offers useful information — www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-for-victims-of-hurricane-harvey-in-texas
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of severe weather due to Hurricane Harvey — www.twc.state.tx.us/news/hurricane-harvey-disaster-aid-available-18-texas-counties. Applications for DUA must be submitted by September 27, 2017.
Governor Abbott suspended the waiting period for insurance companies to pay claims to vehicle owners impacted by Harvey. In doing so, the claims process will hopefully be faster. An estimated 500,000 cars were damaged due to Harvey. When purchasing a new vehicle, be sure to check the car facts for indications of flooding. Parts from flooded vehicles may find their way to the open market — this is illegal, but we should all be aware this is a possibility. The Governor is temporarily waiving license and registration renewal fees for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. More information may be found on the DMV website — www.txdmv.gov/harvey
The Texas Office of the State Chemist (www.otscweb.tamu.edu/brochure/HurricaneHarveyImpact.pdf) is offering free testing of cereal grains and oil seeds to ensure crops are safe for production.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing disaster assistance to communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses hit by Hurricane Harvey. For more information, visit the USDA Storm Disaster Page — www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program.
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