Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
As of early May 2025, the federal disaster declaration was pending, with local, state, and federal officials continuing to advocate for the necessary support to aid the affected communities in South Texas.
In late March 2025, the Rio Grande Valley experienced severe flooding due to unprecedented rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 20 inches of rain between March 26 and 28. The heavy rainfall led to significant damage across Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties, prompting local and state officials to seek federal disaster assistance.
On May 6, 2025, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez issued a local disaster declaration in response to the flooding. In a statement, Judge Cortez acknowledged the support from federal and state officials:
“I wish to thank Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who, along with Senator John Cornyn and Governor Greg Abbott, have asked President Trump to declare a disaster so that more federal aid can help those in our community affected by last month’s floods. We look forward to the President’s response.”
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz formally requested federal disaster funding for the affected South Texas counties. In his communication, Senator Cruz emphasized the need for federal assistance to aid recovery efforts for the communities impacted by the severe storms and flooding.
Senator John Cornyn also supported the call for federal disaster relief. He sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the swift deployment of additional federal disaster relief resources to South Texas, aligning with Governor Greg Abbott’s request following the severe flooding in the region.
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez also advocated for a federal disaster declaration. In a letter dated April 29, 2025, he urged President Trump to issue a disaster declaration for South Texas, highlighting the extensive damage caused by the flooding and the need for federal assistance to support recovery efforts.
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz also expressed support for additional disaster relief for South Texas. In her letter to President Trump, she acknowledged the state’s request for an emergency disaster declaration. She emphasized the importance of federal support in addressing the damage caused by the severe weather conditions.
Local officials, including those from Edinburg, Alamo, Weslaco, and other cities, declared states of disaster in the aftermath of the flooding. These declarations aimed to facilitate access to emergency assistance and funding for recovery efforts.
As of early May 2025, the federal disaster declaration was pending, with local, state, and federal officials continuing to advocate for the necessary support to aid the affected communities in South Texas.
