texas

Texas Seeks $61B to ‘Future Proof' Before Next Great Storm

Texas is lobbying the federal government for $61 billion just for infrastructure improvements after Hurricane Harvey, arguing that the staggering amount can help it "future proof" against coming storms rather than simply recovering from the last one.

Congress may be unwilling or unable to give that amount, though.

The requested money wouldn't include federal disaster relief already sent to Texas for more immediate needs. It also wouldn't cover other, massive Harvey-related costs, including an estimated $50-plus billion in federal funding needed just to repair homes or build new ones.

The request will have to compete with aid for Florida after Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria's walloping of Puerto Rico and wildfire-ravaged California.

But the team charged with leading Texas' rebuilding effort says the U.S. can't afford not to pay up.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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