Gonzalez announces South Texas federal disaster declaration

HARLINGEN, Texas – Residents from throughout the Rio Grande Valley impacted by the March floods can now seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week the four RGV counties were approved to receive the aid as part of a major disaster declaration approved by President Donald Trump.

On Tuesday, May, 27, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda held a press conference detailing what residents need to do if they are planning to file claims with FEMA.

“Obviously, we are very excited President Trump made the announcement,” Gonzalez said. “FEMA is now in our region to help out.”

Gonzalez said some 5,000 homes were damaged Valleywide, 2,000 of which sustained major issues.

Sepulveda said they have been waiting for a disaster declaration for the last two months but they are nevertheless glad FEMA is here now.

Before showing up to any of the FEMA centers set up in the Valley, residents impacted by the flood need to prepare all the documentation necessary to file claims, Sepulveda explained.

That’s an identification, social security number, receipts all any repairs made either to property or vehicles, videos, photographs, insurance and so on.

If eligible, the assistance could come either by a grant or low interest loans.

Gonzalez urged residents to contact his office if they need additional assistance.

The Brownsville office address and telephone number are 835 E. E. Levee St. 6t Floor, 956-682-5545.

In Weslaco is at 255 S. Kansas Ave., 956-682-5545.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. said he was also pleased to announce the swift opening of FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.

“These centers serve as a critical resource for individuals seeking to recover qualifying expenses incurred due to the March 2025 floods,” Treviño said. “I strongly encourage all affected residents to visit a disaster recovery center.”

The FEMA center in Harlingen is at the city’s Convention Center at 701 Harlingen Heights Drive, 956-320-2373.

In Weslaco at the Economic Development Corp. at 275 S. Kansas Ave., Suite A. The telephone number is 956-969-0838.

In Rio Grande City, it’s at the Courthouse Annex at 100 N. FM 3167.

And in Willacy County, Precinct 4 Commissioner Ernie Garcia said the agency has set up a center to register claims at the Sebastian Community Center 434 W. Eighth St. in Sebastian where some 200 homes suffered damages from the rising waters.

The FEMA centers, which opened from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day for several weeks thereafter.

FEMA also has a lot information on its Website under DisasterAssistance.gov.

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