Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $1,823,862.67 in federal reimbursement funds to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). These funds, reimbursed through FEMA at a 75 percent cost share, are for DPS efforts in providing the State’s Emergency Operations Center with financial assistance to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic during January 20, 2020 to July 24, 2020. 

“Texas has been and is still a hot-spot for COVID-19 cases,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Not only has coronavirus affected nearly every Texas community, but it has also created financial strains on state and local governments. In order to effectively save lives, we need to be able to address this pandemic at all costs. This reimbursement from FEMA is a critical step in providing relief for the State and ensuring that we continue to have the means to combat this virus.”

“As a senior member on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure that federal agencies and resources are adequately funded and continue to aid communities across the nation.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an immediate threat to the public health and safety of the state of Texas. In response to the event, the Texas Department of Public Safety provided the Emergency Operations Center with funds for the distribution of test kits, deployment of personnel to complete various tasks, and testing coordination statewide. Additionally, funding was used to provide security for preventing individuals from "hot-spots" from entering Texas by placing Deputies at border entry points and providing security at testing centers statewide, as well as arranging for medical care and transportation by aircraft of COVID test samples to laboratories to provide test results.

The total cost of this project was $2,431,816.89. FEMA is reimbursing the Texas Department of Public Safety at a 75 percent cost share, which equates to $1,823,862.67.