Program wraps up helping rebuild homes for 1,276 families affected by Hurricane Harvey
Aug. 8, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., visited the area to announce successful completion of the Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) in Southeast Texas, a reported pivotal milestone in the region’s recovery from Hurricane Harvey and other disasters.
While in town, Buckingham also met with the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and other community leaders to discuss coastal resiliency and detail how the GLO is working with Jefferson County to enhance flood prevention for thousands in the region.
Buckingham additionally spoke on approval of the following grants: $41.367 million for Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 flood control improvements, $31.1 million for Orange County Drainage District Drainage improvements, and $3.974 million for Jasper road and sewer improvements.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a disaster recovery program, but the resilience and determination of Southeast Texas,” Buckingham said. “Through the connections and partnerships we’ve built, more than 1,200 families have a safe and secure place to call home again. This achievement reflects our continued dedication to supporting communities and ensuring they are stronger and more resilient when the next storm thunders into Southeast Texas.”
Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel, who is also president of the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission, stated he was honored to attend the announcement of a significant milestone in Hurricane Harvey recovery in Southeast Texas.
“Hurricane Harvey is the worst natural disaster in Hardin County during modern times. Many families lost their homes and everything they had due to the extreme flooding, and I worried about those that had no way to rebuild,” said McDaniel. “Between our former long-term recovery group and the Texas General Land Office, homes that were uninsured or underinsured were rebuilt or replaced, and I can never thank everyone enough for all they have done, and continue to do, on behalf of Hardin County and all of Southeast Texas.”
“Commissioner Buckingham and her team at the GLO don’t just rebuild homes, they rebuild lives through their recovery programs such as the Homeowner Assistance Program and we are very fortunate to have them as our partner,” he added.
The GLO’s Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) provided support to homeowners in Southeast Texas, offering home repairs, reconstruction and elevation to mitigate future flood risks. The program was funded by Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and designed to assist those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
While completing the HAP program in Southeast Texas is a significant milestone, Buckingham emphasized that the GLO’s work in Southeast Texas continues.
“The GLO continues to focus on long-term recovery efforts, including rebuilding affordable rental housing and mitigation projects to reduce the impact of future disasters,” noted Buckingham. “Our mission is to continue serving the people of Texas by providing the tools and resources necessary for disaster recovery and future preparedness. Together, we will ensure that Southeast Texas — and all of Texas — remains strong and prepared for whatever lies ahead.”