- NC's cost for Hurricane Helene damage is nearly $60 billion, state says
- State to develop drone program to better respond to disasters like Helene, Florence
- South Carolina residents face deadline to get storm debris out to the curb after Hurricane Helene
- SCDOT to pick up Hurricane Helene debris for a final day in South Carolina
- Hurricane Helene destroyed this county's only hospital. Now, an urgent care facility is caring for the community.
Houston seeks $2B more for Hurricane Harvey housing recovery
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston officials are preparing to request an additional $2 billion from Congress to provide more assistance to residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the city’s request will likely come as lawmakers also consider aid for victims of recent hurricanes Florence and Michael, which devastated parts of North Carolina and Florida.
Houston officials say the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s approach to determine how much aid is needed undercounts vulnerable populations. The federal department looks at recipients of individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Houston’s request is based on a methodology that includes many more people affected by the storm, whether or not they applied for FEMA aid.
If Congress approves the city’s request, the methodology could influence how other cities calculate need after disasters.
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Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com