Texas governor says Harvey damage could climb to $180 billion

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

#ENVIRONMENT SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 / 9:52 AM / 2 HOURS AGO

Texas governor says Harvey damage could climb to $180 billion

Marianna Parraga, Gary McWilliams
5 MIN READ

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday estimated damage from Hurricane Harvey at $150 billion to $180 billion, calling it more costly than epic hurricanes Katrina or Sandy and fueling a debate over how to pay for the disaster.

Harvey, which first came ashore on Aug. 25 as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in 50 years, has killed an estimated 47 people, displaced more than 1 million and damaged nearly 200,000 homes in a path of destruction stretching for more than 300 miles (480 kms).

Abbott, who is advocating for U.S. government aid for his state’s recovery, said the damage would exceed that of Katrina, the storm that devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas in 2005, and Sandy, which overwhelmed New York city and the U.S. Northeast in 2012.

“Katrina caused if I recall more than $120 billion but when you look at the number of homes and business affected by this I think this will cost well over $120 billion, probably $150 to $180 billion,” Abbott told Fox News, adding, “this is far larger than Hurricane Sandy.”

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has asked Congress for an initial $7.85 billion for recovery efforts, which Abbott called a “down payment.”

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-storm-harvey/texas-governor-says-harvey-damage-could-climb-to-180-billion-idUSKCN1BE0TL

[Sneederbunk]

1. Abbott has history of fighting the US Government who he

now wants to be a first-responder.

[NCjack]

2. Texas has bad luck. All of the federal government is controlled by GOP.

There are many in Congress today who witnessed Cruz and Corynin lead the Texas delegation in trying to screw NY and NJ on Sandy relief. Abbott's best play would be to demand in the name of the people of Texas that those politicians resign and be replaced with moderates. Then, he can ask Congress to prepare a proper relief package for Texas.

To speed along the process, Cruz and Corynin should resign now and ask the rest of the Texas delegation who voted against Sandy relief to do likewise.