Montgomery Co. Extends Harvey Flood Mitigation Grants

Montgomery County Extends Harvey Flood Mitigation Grant Deadline to 2027, Urges Residents to Apply

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – Montgomery County residents still grappling with the long-term impacts of Hurricane Harvey now have a significantly longer window to apply for crucial federal flood mitigation assistance. The Commissioners Court recently approved a three-year extension for the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, pushing the application deadline all the way to June 30, 2027.

Originally slated to close applications by June 30, 2024, this extension provides more property owners in flood-prone areas the opportunity to access federal funds for either property acquisition – where the county buys out a damaged home – or elevation, raising a structure above the base flood elevation.

During its April 23 session, the Commissioners Court unanimously approved the extension, highlighting the ongoing need for support in communities still recovering years after the devastating 2017 storm.

"This extension is absolutely crucial for our residents," stated Mark Johnson, Montgomery County Engineer, whose office oversees the program. "We recognize that navigating these complex federal programs takes time, and for many, the aftermath of Harvey is a marathon, not a sprint. Our goal is to ensure every eligible homeowner has ample opportunity to secure the assistance they need to protect their families and properties from future flood events, fostering greater long-term resilience across the county."

Hurricane Harvey, which inundated Montgomery County in August 2017, left a trail of unprecedented flooding, causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, particularly in low-lying and floodplain areas. The CDBG-DR funds are specifically allocated through the Texas General Land Office (GLO) as part of the statewide recovery effort.

To date, approximately 64 homes across the county have either been acquired or elevated through this initiative, with roughly $12 million in grants already utilized. County officials estimate that approximately $18 million in federal funds remain available for eligible projects, underscoring the necessity of the extended application period.

"This isn't just about helping individual homeowners; it’s a vital component of our comprehensive flood mitigation strategy for the entire community," commented County Commissioner James R. 'Jim' Clark, Precinct 4. "When flood-damaged homes are bought out, they are typically demolished, and the land is converted into green space. This natural infrastructure helps absorb floodwaters, protects remaining homes, and can even lead to reduced flood insurance rates for neighboring properties. It’s a win-win for long-term resiliency and preserving our natural floodplains."

For residents like Maria Rodriguez of Spring, whose home has experienced recurring flooding since Harvey, the extension offers a beacon of hope. "We’ve been overwhelmed trying to rebuild and stay afloat," Rodriguez shared. "Knowing we have more time to understand this program and apply correctly takes a huge burden off our shoulders. We just want to feel safe in our home again."

Eligibility for these grants requires that the property was damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, served as the owner's primary residence at the time of the storm, and is located within a 100-year floodplain.

Montgomery County residents who believe they meet these criteria and have not yet applied are strongly encouraged to act now. Despite the extended deadline, officials advise not to delay in seeking information.

To learn more or begin the application process, residents can: * Visit the Montgomery County Engineer’s Office website at [www.mctx.org/engineer](http://www.mctx.org/engineer) and navigate to the CDBG-DR Flood Mitigation Program section. * Contact the Montgomery County Engineer’s Office directly at (936) 539-7817 for detailed information and application assistance.

With nearly three years added to the application window, officials are hopeful that a greater number of affected residents will take advantage of this critical opportunity to secure their homes and contribute to the county's broader flood mitigation efforts.