Texas Governor Greg Abbott has renewed and amended a disaster proclamation due to ongoing drought conditions in several counties. The original proclamation was issued on July 8, 2022, and has been updated multiple times as the situation persists.
According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, drought conditions continue in certain areas, leading to an increased risk of wildfires. In response, Governor Abbott extended the disaster declaration for a list of counties including Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Brooks, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Colorado, Comal, Comanche, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Donley, Duval, Fayette, Foard, Frio, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales and others.
The proclamation states: “I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Aransas … Zavala Counties.” Governor Abbott further authorized “the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.”
Additionally: “Any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent,hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. However … I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.”
The document is signed by Governor Abbott and attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson. Official copies will be filed with relevant authorities as required by law.
