Last week the City of Laredo and Webb County both issued disaster declarations as a result of the freezing weather and subsequent power and water outages. This qualifies both entities for federal reimbursement.

On Feb. 14, the White House issued a federal emergency declaration for Texas in response to the winter storm. This authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide direct public assistance for all 254 counties in Texas along with protective measures like shelter and mass care.

However, President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster declaration for only 108 of Texas’ counties, which means that only residents of those counties qualify for individual assistance. Webb County is not among them. But if enough residents report the need for individual assistance to the Texas Department of Emergency Management, this could change.

“FEMA has asked the state of Texas for additional information regarding the amount of damage in the counties that have yet to be declared, and TDEM will continue to present that information until all Texas counties that qualify for federal assistance receive the assistance they need,” Gov. Greg Abbott’s office said in a news release.

Laredo’s Rep. Henry Cuellar, along with 26 other members of Congress, wrote Biden on Monday asking he issue a major disaster declaration for all 254 counties.

“The services provided by FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs are essential to helping states and communities recover from disasters. Although the initial effects of this unprecedented winter storm are beginning to dissipate, the entire state continues to reel from the aftermath that has left millions without power, potable water, and dwindled food supplies,” reads the letter.

City and county officials urge residents to report any disaster damages at tdem.texas.gov/warm.