Walker County Commissioners Court authorized county staff to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for administrative services and a request for qualifications (RFQ) for engineering to prepare and administer applications to the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) disaster recovery programs for 2024 storms.

Luke, a grant consultant working with the county, told the court the GLO has a fund of approximately $97 million for recovery activities and described eligible projects as “generators, street improvements, drainage, wastewater, water,” with awards “starting at $500,000 up to $5,000,000 with 5% match.” Luke advised the court that applications are competitive and that county ranking on the GLO list positions Walker County favorably.

Commissioners asked about low‑to‑moderate income (LMI) eligibility maps and survey requirements. County staff said they would help locate LMI areas and noted GrantWorks offers door‑to‑door survey services; staff also said previous survey results could be reused in some cases, but door‑to‑door data collection may be required for new submittals.

The court voted to authorize the procurement steps so staff can begin soliciting qualified administrative and engineering firms and proceed with proposal evaluation and eventual application submission. No specific project was chosen at the meeting; staff were tasked to return with maps, survey plans and the results of procurement responses for the court’s approval before applications are submitted.

The authorization instructs staff to follow state procurement rules and the county’s purchasing procedures in issuing the RFP/RFQ and to coordinate with the county finance and planning departments on matching funds and project eligibility.