Texas Left Federal Disaster Aid Unspent
Over the past decade, Texas failed to spend $225 million in federal grant money intended for disaster protection, even as extreme weather claimed nearly 700 lives statewide. The unspent funds were part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which helps communities build defenses like flood warning systems and storm protection infrastructure.
Billions of Federal Funding Unused
Despite receiving more than $820 million in aid after Hurricane Harvey, Texas has used only 38% of that money. One county hit by recent deadly flash floods was twice denied a small portion of the funding to create a flood-warning system, which could have helped prevent loss of life.
Experts say the state’s inability or unwillingness to fully use these grants highlights a larger issue. While the federal government supplies disaster mitigation funds, many states lack the capacity to meet federal requirements or manage the complex application process. As a result, billions of dollars in federal funding go unused across the U.S., even in high-risk regions like Texas.
A 2021 Government Accountability Office report found that many states were frustrated with the process, describing it as overwhelming during disaster recovery. In Texas, red tape and lack of planning have blocked access to critical investments. One example: Kerr County’s requests for a flood warning system were denied, partly because it lacked an approved mitigation plan.
Warning Systems Underfunded
Texas is not alone in leaving disaster funds unspent, but the stakes are high. As flooding and other climate-related threats intensify, warning systems, relatively inexpensive compared to buyouts and elevation projects, remain underfunded. Of the billions spent nationwide, only a small portion has gone to early warning technology.
The issue has drawn renewed attention after a deadly flood in Kerrville claimed the lives of campers and counselors during a sudden nighttime surge of the Guadalupe River. The state now plans a special legislative session to explore new warning system policies.
While Texas officials insist they’re working to distribute funds and support local compliance, experts argue that delays and underuse of available aid represent missed opportunities to save lives. The situation illustrates a critical gap between disaster funding and real-world protection—especially in flood-prone communities that need it most.