Texas is doubling down on disaster readiness with a fresh wave of infrastructure funding aimed at protecting communities from future calamities.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced this week the approval of $24 million in regional mitigation funds for infrastructure improvements across multiple Texas communities, continuing a year-long push to strengthen the state’s disaster resilience. The funding targets critical upgrades to roads, drainage systems, sewers, and water detention facilities in Kendall County and the cities of Caldwell, Marion, and Victoria.
“The strength of Texas lies in the resilience of its communities, and the GLO is committed to building that strength for generations to come,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “This investment is more than an upgrade to infrastructure—it’s a promise to protect homes, safeguard livelihoods and ensure our communities are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Part of a Billion-Dollar Initiative
The latest allocation continues the Texas General Land Office’s distribution of a massive $1.17 billion pot of federal money toward disaster preparedness. These funds, provided through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Mitigation program, are being distributed based on local priorities determined through extensive public input gathered by regional Councils of Government.
What makes these investments particularly significant? For communities that have faced repeated devastation from floods and storms, the funding represents a critical lifeline. Federal requirements stipulate that at least half of the CDBG-MIT funds must benefit low-to-moderate-income individuals, ensuring the most vulnerable populations receive protection from future disasters.
This latest round follows several substantial disbursements throughout 2025, including $107.8 million in January, $58.3 million in April, $30.8 million in July, and $45 million in May. Each allocation has targeted infrastructure improvements across various Texas counties and municipalities.
Regional Impact
The Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) region recently received its own boost with $9.18 million in mitigation grants benefiting counties including Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, and Lee. Recipients include Bastrop County and the cities of Elgin, Schulenburg, and Smithville.
“The GLO is proud to go the extra mile to help Texas communities large and small to be more resilient against future disasters,” Buckingham noted in announcing the CAPCOG funding. “Federal grant funding can be hard to obtain and difficult to administer, but the GLO works side by side with local leaders to push through bureaucracy and help communities thrive.”
Behind the scenes, the funding distribution wasn’t simple. CAPCOG’s Homeland Security Division spent 11 months developing the methodology for allocating the region’s share of $52 million, with priorities shaped by community input and historical disaster impacts.
“Part of our methodology for distribution of the funds were based upon impacts from previously declared disasters,” explained Martin Ritchey, CAPCOG Homeland Security director. “It makes a huge difference to our rural stakeholders.”
For smaller communities that often struggle to secure federal assistance, these funds represent a rare opportunity to address long-standing infrastructure vulnerabilities that have left them repeatedly picking up the pieces after disasters.
Throughout the year, Commissioner Buckingham has maintained consistent messaging about the program’s importance. “Every community deserves the tools to prepare for and recover from future disasters,” she stated during the May announcement. In July, she added, “Texans know how to face challenges head-on, and the GLO is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with communities as we invest in stronger, safer infrastructure.”
As extreme weather events become increasingly common across Texas, the race to strengthen critical infrastructure continues—with communities hoping these investments arrive before the next disaster tests their resilience once again.
