HUD, state at standoff over Ike recovery funds

Galveston County underfunded

Steve Hawley, Jan 22, 10.

Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) board members discussed equitable distribution of Hurricane Ike recovery funds at their latest meeting, according to Guidry News. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Texas are “at a standstill, if not a stand-off” regarding the funds, according to H-GAC Executive Director Jack Steele.

HUD says that the State of Texas has underfunded Galveston and Orange counties while overfunding many counties in deep East Texas. Steele said that he is negotiating with the Governor’s Office seeking a more equitable distribution of funds.

“We need to go over there and get in their faces,” said Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, suggesting that a strong delegation should talk to Governor Rick Perry and his staff. Houston City Council Member Sue Lovell said that instead, state officials should be invited to visit the region. “I request that we invite them to come down and have a heart to heart talk with them,” she said.

Guidry News reports:

Steele said that he will meet again with the state officials later this week and then will consider returning with a delegation that will include members of the H-GAC Ike Recovery Committee.

Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas reported on her recent visit with HUD officials in Washington.

“HUD has asked that we make every effort to prevail upon Governor Perry, either through this organization or any other, to pay attention to HUD’s requests,” Thomas said. “So I think the idea of going to meet with the governor is a good one.”