Statement by Bob Harvey, President & CEO, Greater Houston Partnership, on the filing of a disaster response and flood mitigation package in the Texas Senate:

"Today, the Texas Senate announced the filing of a disaster response and flood mitigation package that will have a tremendous impact on Texas and the Houston region. Senate Bills 6, 7 and 8 are critical steps toward making Texas more resilient."

"The Partnership appreciates the leadership of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock). Their leadership has kept the issue of flood recovery, response, planning and future mitigation front and center this session."

"We appreciate Lt. Governor Patrick clearly signaling the importance of investing in disaster response and flood mitigation. Sen. Creighton’s leadership has been instrumental as we work to deliver funding for local communities across Texas. Sen. Kolkhorst has taken charge of the important work related to preparedness. Sen. Perry, as Chairman of the Senate Water and Rural Affairs Committee, is leading all aspects of flood planning to ensure proper steps are taken to protect all Texans from future flooding events."

"We don’t know the final funding amount at this point, but we do expect it will be substantial – in the billions – and funding for flood recovery and mitigation will most likely constitute the largest amount coming from the Rainy Day Fund for any issue."

"We look forward to working with the Senate throughout this process."