Federal disaster declaration granted to 12 Texas counties

The state of Texas' federal disaster request for twelve counties was granted Saturday by President Obama, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

The declaration will help the following counties affected by recent flooding: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington.

Public Assistance Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) for local and state response costs and sheltering was also granted. Category A (Debris) remains on hold as water continues to recede, and pending additional damage assessments.

"I would like to thank the President and FEMA for their quick response in granting assistance to those affected by the severe weather and flooding of the past couple weeks," said Governor Abbott in a press release. "Texans have always risen to meet the challenges they face and this time will be no different. With this latest development Texans can now begin the process of rebuilding their lives after experiencing some of the worst flooding in recent history."