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Hamilton County judge reads letter pressing FEMA over delayed disaster reimbursements
Summary
Hamilton County officials told state recovery staff that FEMA delays and a DHS shutdown have hampered reimbursements for DR4781 and DR4879. Judge James Yates read a letter asking FEMA to reconsider timelines while TDEM advised submitting completed-project documentation for drawdowns.
County Judge James Yates read a letter to FEMA on Feb. 24, 2026, urging federal officials to address extended delays in reimbursement for disaster projects tied to DR4781 and DR4879.
The court heard from a representative of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), identified as Kevin, who said TDEM will coordinate directly with FEMA once the Department of Homeland Security reopens but could not guarantee any extension of deadlines. Kevin advised the county to group work into larger projects where possible and submit documentation as work is completed so funds can be drawn down on finished work to improve cash flow.
Treasurer Tonya Cox told the court she will provide the financial documents TDEM requested to support reimbursement requests. Judge Yates and Commissioner Dickie Clary emphasized that the county has waited roughly 22 months for action on some projects and asked whether extensions could be reset to compensate for delay; TDEM said it would raise the question with FEMA but could not promise approval.
The discussion focused on the limits of local authority to compel quicker federal action and on practical steps the court can take to speed reimbursements, including reorganizing projects into larger or more frequent drawdown-friendly groupings. The court recorded the exchange and directed staff to continue compiling the documentation TDEM requested.
No formal vote was taken during the FEMA discussion. The meeting later adjourned at 11:03 a.m.
