National disaster management and recovery efforts may face significant changes according to recent statements made by President Trump.
Making comments at the Oval Office, the president announced plans to “phase out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after this year’s hurricane season. According to what he said, the federal government will explore options to dismantle the agency, shifting disaster management and recovery efforts to state and local leaders. His plan would include the creation of a FEMA review council, which would be helmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. That, of course, would require support from Congress.
If the agency is dismantled or downsized as stated by the president, states will be required to adjust strategies to address disasters. While the president says the White House will be open to calls for funding during emergencies, states will need to bear the majority burden of disasters, including alternatively sourcing funds required to address post-disaster cleanup and repair.
In Texas, the General Land Office (GLO) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) manage the majority of disaster recovery efforts along with local officials. The GLO and TDEM operate closely with local, state and federal partners to navigate natural disasters and emergencies and provide funding. Without a federal funding partner, the looming threat of natural disasters would likely change Texas’ current practices.
Recent disasters, including Hurricane Beryl and a derecho windstorm along the coast, left some Texas cities with damage and needs for sustained recovery and future preventative measures. One city, Houston, is awaiting over $314 million in grant funding from the federal government to address damages related to these storms.
The move to dismantle FEMA would dramatically change how states identify, plan and execute disaster recovery efforts and projects. The disaster management and support agency, FEMA, was established in 1979 to assist states manage disasters. Operating under the Department of Homeland Security, the agency provides essential services such as coordinating federal resources, funding public infrastructure repairs and offering direct aid to disaster victims. Despite the president’s remarks, any changes to FEMA will require Congressional support.
Photo by Pixabay
