GLO funds will be used to assist flood-impacted county residents

In the wake of the devastating floods of 2015, much emphasis has been put on the initiatives launched by the city of San Marcos using federal funding, but Hays County will also work with disaster relief funds to help with housing repairs and replacements for affected property owners.

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a contract with the General Land Office for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds amounting to almost $2.4 million. The funds are to be used for buyout, repairs, reconstruction, elevation and new construction for low- to moderate-income households in the county.

“We’ve had a few items on this grant program come before the court,” said Clint Garza, head of development services for the county, noting that last time there were concerns from members of the public about unmet housing needs.

“This contract with the General Land Office will get us there,” he said.

Most of the funding — more than $1.7 million — will go toward a homeowner assistance program to help with repairs, renovations and other recovery efforts. About $557,000 will go toward buyouts, and $45,000 will pay for administration. The contract stipulates that an environmental review must be conducted at all locations before work begins. 

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners accepted a $200,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans for the county’s Veterans Treatment Court. The grant will provide funds for a probation officer, part-time mentor coordinator, program manager, treatment services, and supplies and travel expenses for the treatment court. 

The commissioners also approved a $13,580 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to help pay for 18 rifle-resistant vests for county constables. The county will contribute $532 to complete the purchase.