Dawn Buckingham Greenlights $30.8M for Infrastructure in Southeast Texas

In a major boost for disaster resilience and infrastructure modernization, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced Thursday the approval of more than $30.8 million in funding through the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) Regional Mitigation Program. The funding will support a slate of critical infrastructure projects across nine counties and two cities, focusing on flood mitigation, drainage improvements, road upgrades, and enhancements to water and sewer systems.

The newly approved $30,889,864.23 in regional mitigation funds will benefit communities in Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Matagorda, Victoria, Wharton, and Wilson counties, as well as the cities of Nixon and Portland. These investments are part of the GLO’s ongoing effort to harden infrastructure and protect vulnerable communities from the increasing threat of natural disasters.

“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,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “This funding will help harden critical systems, protect families, and support the future of our great state. We are cutting through red tape and taking decisive action so that these projects can move forward and make a real difference in the lives of Texans.”

The Regional Mitigation Program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Texas GLO was allocated $1.17 billion in CDBG-MIT funds to reduce the risks and impacts of future disasters through strategic infrastructure investment. Each regional Council of Government (COG) developed its own method of distribution (MOD) for allocating the funds, ensuring that local needs and priorities guided the selection of projects.

Mitigation activities, as defined by HUD, are those that enhance a community’s resilience and reduce the long-term risk of life loss, injury, property damage, and the suffering caused by disasters. At least 50% of the allocated funds are required to benefit low-to-moderate-income populations, a standard the GLO says it is committed to exceeding wherever possible.

Projects selected under this round of funding aim to deliver lasting benefits and measurable improvements in the ability of communities to withstand flooding and other disaster-related events. From upgraded drainage systems in flood-prone neighborhoods to expanded detention infrastructure and road reinforcements, the approved projects represent a proactive step toward safeguarding lives and property.

With this latest round of investments, the Texas General Land Office continues to demonstrate a commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities—making sure local priorities are met and that families across the region are better protected against the impacts of future disasters.