COVID-19 coverage graphic

Through President Donald Trump’s approval of a major disaster declaration for Texas, federal emergency aid is now available to add to recovery efforts in the areas affected by the coronavirus.

Trump’s declaration makes federal funding available for crisis counseling for those impacted by the coronavirus, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofits on a cost-sharing basis for emergency measures, such as direct federal assistance under public assistance, for all areas affected by COVID-19 at a federal cost share of 75 percent, the FEMA announcement stated.

On Twitter, Gov. Greg Abbott called the approval of the declaration great news.

“This will expand the resources available to Texas & speed our ability to robustly respond to #coronavirus,” Abbott’s tweet said.

George A. Robinson was named as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations. Additional designations could be done at a later date if requested by the state and needed based on the results of further assessments, FEMA stated.