Biden signs major disaster declaration for 77 Texas counties, but governor asked for all 254
Updated Feb 20, 2021;
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for 77 Texas counties, the White House said Saturday morning, two days after Gov. Greg Abbott had asked for a declaration that covered all 254 counties coping with the effects of a winter storm that knocked out power and heat across the state.
The declaration covers much of the Texas population, including Dallas and neighboring counties, and the counties that include Houston, San Antonio and Austin, but falls far short of what Texas officials sought.
“This partial approval is an important first step,” Abbott said on Saturday.