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Senate advances flood response package, approves supplemental disaster appropriations and early-warning measures
Summary
The Texas Senate quickly moved a package of bills aimed at flood response and preparedness — approving a $274 million supplemental appropriations measure and separate bills to install outdoor warning sirens, expand flood preparedness authority, and an omnibus disaster-preparedness bill.
The Texas Senate on Monday approved multiple measures aimed at flood response and preparedness, including a supplemental appropriations bill that passed final passage and separate measures to expand warning systems and disaster planning.
Senator Huffman, sponsor of Senate Bill 5, said the measure ‘‘includes $200,000,000 to cover projected 25% non‑federal matching funds for FEMA reimbursement, dollars $50,000,000 for the purchase of sirens, flood gauges, and other equipment in the Central Texas flood region … $24,000,000 to develop enhanced atmospheric measurement and modeling techniques … and $20,000,000 toward a new swift water training facility.’’ The Senate passed SB 5 to final passage by voice and roll calls recorded as 30 ayes, 0 nays.
Why it matters: The bills aim to move state money and authority quickly to communities hit by the July floods and to create local infrastructure — outdoor warning sirens and connected gauges — intended to give people in remote or low‑connectivity areas earlier notice of flash floods.
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