ORANGE, Texas — Help from Hurricane Laura may soon be on the way for residents in Orange County.
Orange County has met the damage threshold to activate individual assistance from FEMA, Orange County Judge John Gothia tells 12News.
But, the Texas Department of Emergency Management says the state is still verifying damage totals from the powerful storm. That assessment will be used by Governor Abbott to declare a disaster and allow FEMA money to flow into the area.
It's still not clear exactly what assistance will be offered to homeowners and business owners impacted by Laura.
There is a big difference when it comes to individual assistance and public assistance from FEMA.
The state of Texas needs to incur at least $39 million in damages to qualify for “public assistance” to help pay for things like debris clean-up and removal, Gothia said.
Gothia told 12News that Orange County has already met this threshold.
The county is moving forward with debris removal while they wait for a decision on public assistance.
The deadline for homeowners to have debris at their curb has not been set yet. A contractor will be in the county next week to make a determination and set up a schedule for debris pickup.
The company usually only passes through once for pick up. If needed, the contractors will come a second time for pick up. The company will make that decision.
Judge Gothia said the county is working with Entergy to get power restored. By Wednesday evening, the majority of the region should have power restored, according to Judge Gothia.
