Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 5 on Tuesday, providing nearly $300 million in flood disaster relief funding for Texas.
The bill allocates $50 million specifically to support cities and counties in installing siren systems and flood gauges to improve community preparedness and emergency response.
The legislation addresses growing concerns over severe weather and flooding across the state.
Funds from the bill will cover installation and maintenance of modern siren systems and enhance the state’s network of flood gauges, providing real-time data to officials and emergency responders.
Local governments will receive financial assistance to implement or upgrade warning systems aimed at alerting residents to flood dangers. These tools are designed to improve response times and help protect lives and property during flood events.
Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to strengthen Texas’s resilience against natural disasters. The bill also includes broader resources for flood disaster response, including post-flood recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Texas has experienced multiple severe floods in recent years, prompting the state to prioritize disaster management improvements. The new funding aims to provide communities with better technology and resources to mitigate future flood impacts.
The state will collaborate with local authorities to identify priority areas for deploying sirens and gauges. This approach ensures the strategic use of funds to maximize safety and effectiveness in flood-prone regions.