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 "This new year, we are proud to continue our mission of helping Texans recover from disasters and build back stronger than ever. Our goal at the Texas General Land Office is to serve those we are supposed to serve, and do it well.”
- Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.
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Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Newsletter Highlights:
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Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Announces $107.8 Million in Newly Approved Regional Mitigation Program Projects
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Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Urges DOJ to Once Again Reject Fake Claims of Discrimination by Biden Political Appointees
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Get to Know Your IGR Team: Meet Kris Robles!
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Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Issues Statement on the Nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
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TDEM Launches an Upgraded State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) Database
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Know How to Stay Safe During Winter Weather!
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IGR Team in the Field
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Texans, with Freezing Temperatures in the Forecast, Make Sure to Remember the 4 Ps
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By the Numbers: GLO Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) in the City of Houston and Harris County
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By the Numbers: Hurricane Harvey Recovery Programs
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Disaster Recovery Resources
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Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Announces $107.8 Million in Newly Approved Regional Mitigation Program Projects
 On January 28th, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced the Texas General Land Office (GLO) approved $107,839,660 in new regional mitigation funds to improve roads, water detention, drainage, and water and wastewater systems in the counties of Aransas, Bastrop, Bee, Caldwell, Calhoun, Gonzalez, Lavaca, San Patricio, Walker, and Washington. The funds will also fund mitigation projects in the cities of Alvin, Anderson, Alice, Bay City, Carmine, Ellinger, Fayetteville, Goliad, Jewett, Karnes City, Kingsville, Lake Jackson, Luling, Marquez, Moulton, Nordheim, Pearsall, and Wharton. The GLO enabled local prioritization through the Regional Mitigation Program, providing critical improvements for communities across multiple regions.
"The GLO is committed to building a stronger, more resilient Texas by investing in the infrastructure to protect our communities," said Commissioner Buckingham. "These GLO mitigation funds represent hope and security for Texans. By prioritizing local needs and cutting through bureaucratic delays, we ensure these projects will directly impact families, businesses, and livelihoods in meaningful ways. Together, we are paving the way for safer and more prepared communities across the state."
For more detailed project descriptions, please click here.
Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Urges DOJ to Once Again Reject Fake Claims of Discrimination by Biden Political Appointees
 Commissioner Buckingham is urging the DOJ to reject false claims against the GLO by the Biden Administration. Commissioner Buckingham and the GLO sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice urging it to once again reject unsubstantiated findings issued by former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development political appointees in the final days of the Biden Administration. It's time to dismiss these false and ridiculous claims of discrimination once and for all.
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Get to Know Your IGR Team: Kris Robles! |
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 Tell us about your role with the GLO and when you first started.
I started with the Texas General Land Office in December of 2019 and serve as manager for the Intergovernmental Relations team. In addition to managing a team, I am the outreach coordinator for 26 counties, mostly in the Central Texas region, divided across several Councils of Government. In this challenging role, I serve as a liaison to local government and community leaders helping them to address challenges in administering federal funding and maximizing grant opportunities to address local priorities.
What did you do before you came to work for the GLO?
I spent 6 years in the U.S. Senate working on Veterans Affairs legislative issues before serving as a policy advisor during two Sessions of the Texas Legislature for two members of the House of Representatives. In addition to helping constituents and local communities address local priorities, I have a passion for changing public policies and the legislative process at all levels of government.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in “Original Live Music Capital of Texas”, Lubbock, TX.
What’s your favorite part about working with the GLO?
My favorite part of working for the GLO on the CDR team is being able to see a real difference that we are making in these communities. I have traveled to so many fascinating towns in this state through my work with the GLO and the people are genuinely happy to see us show in the community to help with their local disaster recovery and mitigation needs.
What do you do when you are away from the office?
I spend lots of time with my German Shepherd, Barbara Bush. Barbara and my fiancé are the main reason I’m so happy to wake up every day. Outside of home, my fiancé and I enjoy getting out for some live music and eating all of the amazing food that Austin has to offer.
What is your go-to restaurant recommendation for guests from out-of-town?
This is such a hard question as Austin has great variety depending on what you are hungry for at the time. For a casual night out, go to Lil Easy for some great Cajun food. If you want home cooked Italian cuisine, try Sammie’s. For mouthwatering BBQ, I recommend stopping in at La BBQ. For sushi, grab a table at Kome. Austin has a great culinary scene, so if our GLO partners want recommendations, they should reach out and I’d be happy to help. GLO IGR is happy to help with questions about disaster recovery or restaurant recommendations!
Anything else you would like to share with the community?
Having worked in Texas politics and government relations for well over a decade, I know how rewarding it can be to find solutions to help communities. In my role at the GLO, I get to see firsthand the difference we are making in local communities. I feel extremely blessed to work with my GLO colleagues under the compassionate and effective leadership of Commissioner Dawn Buckingham.
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Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Issues Statement on the Nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
 Commissioner Dawn Buckingham is in firm support of President Donald Trump's nomination of Scott Turner to be the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Since 2011, the GLO has distributed more than $8.6 billion in federal disaster recovery funds from HUD in response to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Our office is ready to establish a positive working relationship with HUD to expedite disaster recovery and build stronger, safer homes for Texans.
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TDEM Launches an Upgraded State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) Database
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 Texans with mobility, communication, and health issues are encouraged to register and engage with their local emergency management offices on resources that may be available locally during an emergency!
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Know How to Stay Safe During Winter Weather!
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IGR has been busy in the community! Above are pictures of our team in the field with a matching description below:
1. IGR Outreach Coordinators Stephanie Davidson and Regina Recinos attended the Houston-Galveston Area Council's (HGAC) annual meeting. They enjoyed catching up with Montgomery County Judge Keough.
2. Members of the GLO's Government Relations and Intergovernmental Relations team spent time at the Texas Capitol to mark the start of the 89th Legislative Session. Pictured left to right is Jim Reeves, Cydnye Robinson, Decker Reno, Tiffany White, John Blount, and Crystal Dutton.
3. Members of the GLO's Government Relations and Intergovernmental Relations team had a great time at the Deep East Texas Council of Government (DETCOG) Legislative Reception. Pictured left to right is Crystal Dutton, Decker Reno, Cydnye Robinson, and Kris Robles.
4. IGR Outreach Coordinator Elijah Casas attended the "Coffee with the Mayor" event hosted by City of Harlingen. Elijah is pictured with City of Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, and Cameron County Commissioner Precinct 4 Gus Ruiz.
5. IGR Outreach Coordinator Rhonda Masters is pictured with Allen Simms from Jefferson County Drainage District 7. The GLO kicked off a highly anticipated $40 million COG-MOD grant with the drainage district in January.
 1. GLO staff enjoyed attending the DETCOG Legislative Reception in Austin. Pictured left to right is IGR Outreach Coordinator Kris Robles, Grant Manager Ivon Mendoza, Tiffany White with Government Relations, Grant Manager Zina Trevino, Federal Director Crystal Dutton, IGR Outreach Coordinator Cydnye Robinson, and Decker Reno with Government Relations.
2. IGR Outreach Coordinator Rhonda Master is pictured with RW Bray, Texas Outreach Director for Senator Ted Cruz while attending the annual meeting of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission in Beaumont.
3. The Harris County IGR team attended the Harris County Mayors' & Councils' Association Meeting with Harris County Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Tom Ramsey. Pictured left to right is Alex Aragonez with the City of Houston, Kelly Waterman with Senator Cruz's office, IGR Outreach Coordinators Regina Recinos and Stephanie Davidson, and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.
4. IGR Specialist Karla Stripling was honored to participate in the City of Houston District H Townhall, hosted by Council Member Mario Castillo.
Texans, with Freezing Temperatures in the Forecast, Make Sure to Remember the 4 Ps
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By the Numbers: GLO Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) in the City of Houston and Harris County |
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CITY OF HOUSTON
- 1,975 completed homes
- 112 under construction
- 224 approved for construction
*Program started in March 2020
*Numbers generated on January 31st, 2025
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HARRIS COUNTY
- 435 completed homes
- 21 under construction
- 34 are approved for construction
*Program started in May 2020
*Numbers generated on January 31st, 2025
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After taking over the Houston and Harris County Homeowner Assistance Programs (HAP) in 2020, the GLO administered a program to repair or reconstruct homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Please note, the program is no longer accepting applications as it closed on December 31, 2021.
For more information, click here.
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By The Numbers:
Harvey Recovery Housing Programs
(Excluding Houston/Harris County)
Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP)
$1.334 Billion- PROGRAM COMPLETE
Homes Completed: 5,672
SUMMARY: State-administered repair program to rehabilitate or reconstruct homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
THIS PROGRAM SERVED: Texas homeowners with remaining Harvey Damage Repair needs.
*Please Note: Numbers as of January 31, 2025*
For more information CLICK HERE
Homeowner Reimbursement Program (HRP)
$100 Million- PROGRAM COMPLETE
Reimbursements Approved: 2,968 applicants for $86,136,050 total
SUMMARY: State-administered reimbursement program for homeowners who used their personal savings or incurred personal debt to repair their homes that were damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
THIS PROGRAM SERVED: Texas homeowners who have conducted repairs to their homes.
*Please Note: Numbers as of January 31, 2025*
For more information CLICK HERE
Harvey Recovery Community Projects
(Excluding Houston/Harris County)
Local Infrastructure
$413 Million- PROGRAM FULLY CONTRACTED
Contracts Executed: 152
SUMMARY: Funds local government projects to repair local infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Can be used to match FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) infrastructure project funds.
THIS PROGRAM SERVES: City and County Governments in federally declared counties with Hurricane Harvey damage to local infrastructure.
*Please Note: Numbers as of January 31, 2025*
For more information CLICK HERE
Local Buyouts and Acquisitions (LBAP)
$275 Million- PROGRAM FULLY CONTRACTED
Contracts Executed: 47
SUMMARY: Funds local government projects applications to buyout or acquire homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Can be used to match FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) buyout project funds.
THIS PROGRAM SERVES: City and County governments in federally declared counties with real property buyout or acquisition needs.
*Please Note: Numbers as of January 31, 2025*
For more information CLICK HERE
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Harvey Recovery Community Revitalization Projects
(Excluding Houston/Harris County)
Affordable Multifamily Rental Program (ARP)
$586 Million- UNITS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
SUMMARY: State-administered program that took applications from rental property owners to rehabilitate, reconstruct or newly construct affordable rental housing lost during Hurricane Harvey.
THIS PROGRAM SERVES: Local rental property owners that own and rent out at least 8 units to replace units lost due to Hurricane Harvey.
*Please Note: Numbers as of January 31, 2025*
For more information CLICK HERE
Texas Back in Business (TBIB)
$100 Million-PROGRAM FULLY CONTRACTED
- Number of funds that have been awarded = $94,075,000
- Number of businesses served = 553
- Number of jobs supported = 1,747
SUMMARY: State-administered revitalization program that will provide financing to local small businesses impacted by Hurricane Harvey in deferred forgivable loans for job creation or retention of LMI employees.
THIS PROGRAM SERVES: Local small businesses that experienced economic losses and damage from Hurricane Harvey.
*Please Note: Info as of January 31, 2025*
For more information CLICK HERE
PREPAREDNESS & PARTNERS:
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Department of Homeland Security
Disaster Preparedness
Ready.gov
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DISASTER RECOVERY RESOURCES: |
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