Feds halt $1.95 billion in Harvey aid, saying Texas did not submit required paperwork

[Elderberry]

Houston Chronicle by Zach Despart 1/7/2022

The Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday halted the distribution of $1.95 billion in aid awarded to Texas after Hurricane Harvey because it said the state has failed to send the federal agency required paperwork detailing its plans to spend it.

The delay is the latest in a series of hold-ups; almost four years after Congress approved $4.3 billion in HUD aid for Texas, about half of it remains unallocated.

HUD said in a statement its formal action gives the Texas General Land Office 45 days to submit the missing document, which the agency said is an analysis explaining how the state’s proposed list of disaster mitigation projects helps the most vulnerable residents.

“We look forward to receiving and reviewing Texas’s submission of the additional information needed for approval,” the HUD statement said. “We are hopeful that Texas will take the steps needed to begin much-needed, forward-looking mitigation projects in the state.”

The decision prevents Texas from distributing $1.2 billion in flood mitigation grants to local governments it had selected through a funding competition, as well as $750 million to Harris County, which was awarded nothing from that contest.

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Feds-halt-1-95-billion-in-Harvey-aid-saying-16758502.php

[mountaineer]

The delay is the latest in a series of hold-ups; almost four years after Congress approved $4.3 billion in HUD aid for Texas, about half of it remains unallocated.

I'm sure this has nothing to do with the swamp's antipathy toward red states. 

[IsailedawayfromFR]

There should be no federal aid given anybody.

Let the states raise it themselves.

To let the feds do it is tantamount to strong-arm diplomacy to get people to kneel to their wishes.

IN this case, it is some bureaucrat who wants power in spite of Congress's law.

[Fishrrman]

"The Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday halted the distribution of $1.95 billion in aid awarded to Texas after Hurricane Harvey because it said the state has failed to send the federal agency required paperwork detailing its plans to spend it."

Hmmmm.....
Lemmmeeeesssseeee here....

Do ya think they would have halted the distribution of funds to Illinois or California "for lack of" the "required paperwork"???